When are you going on maternity leave

[MoonlightMojitos]

So I've got a few weeks left until I need to confirm to my employer the date I want to go on leave. This is my first so I have no idea how I will feel later on and I realise everyone is different but just looking for some advice. I also know alot of people go overdue with their first and I think I'll go mad after too long at home but at the same time I'll be struggling with sleep, being uncomfortable etc by that point so don't know what to do!

It's an office job so not strenuous and sat down alot but I am assistant manager of a quite large team and it's very busy, stressful and mentally draining at times. My commute is literally 5 mins each way so that's not an issue. 36 weeks? Is this a good starting point? 38? Thanks in advance!

halo... Xmas has already happened?! How can you be planning to leave next Xmas?

Thanks for your input everyone. I've decided to go on actual maternity leave around 38 weeks but take 2 weeks annual leave before so will finish at 36. I also have a few odd days holiday left to take as well to have some 3 or 4 day weeks before :)

39, 38 and 39 weeks!

I stopped working at 38 weeks, but DS was a week late so I ended up having three weeks.

I've just finished although my leave actually starts Monday when I'll be 38+3. I'm ready to slow down and start relaxing. I've been getting regular Braxton hicks and I'm inspired by all of these people who went into labour quite quickly! With dd I finished at 36 weeks and went a week over. I was so bored and wished I'd carried on a bit longer as I was just sat around and I was no where near ready. I didn't know that at the time though! This time my bump is so low and I feel closer to things happening. Probably just wishful thinking on my part!

Finished at 37 with my first, but he was 2 weeks over due, so it was a long wait. Having said that I enjoyed pottering around, walking in the park, getting baby clothes washed and folded etc. Also saw my new NCT friends and did some yoga.

Finished my 1st weeks of 4 weeks annual leave before my mat leave starts. Currently 36+3 weeks. Taking whole 12 months off so get my full years entitlement to use. Have done nothing but sleep all week.

I'm finishing work at 38 weeks but then using up 7 days of annual leave before starting mat leave. I sit at a desk most of the day. I think if I was on my feet for work, I would be finishing much sooner - my lady bits are getting sore if I walk/stand too much!

I was planning on working up until 36. I work in a pub and on my feet all day! I've got sciatica now tho and it's absolute agony I'm 28+5 and don't think I can do any more!

I finished work at 35 weeks but also spent the first 2 weeks moving house! I actually feel better now at 38 weeks than I did the last month or so of working. I don't think I realised just how draining everything was so I am glad I am having a little time to rest and recover before baby arrives.

Good luck!

Roo