38 weeks too late to start mat leave?

[T00ManyB00ks]

I'm currently 23 weeks and very aware that I need to tell my work when I'm starting Mat leave.
Due date is June 22nd and I was planning on starting my leave at some point in my 38th week (I work in a school and that is the start of term so I'd have one week of half term off in my week 37).
My line manager is happy with me starting back that week and maybe doing a few days, but when I mentioned it to my team one woman looked at me like I had two heads! My thought is that there's no point starting leave at the end of term if I have a "free week" anyway. Is 38 weeks too late and am I totally mad? At the moment I'm still pretty active and happy! This is my first baby so I'd love some advice. I work in admin, not a teacher so not on my feet all day.

[jpeg28]

I think it depends. I'm a teacher and I'm going to work until 38+3 just because it takes me to the easter hols. I also want to teach my exam classes for as long as possible.

You can always set your date and move it forward if you need to.

[T00ManyB00ks]

Here I am reporting back!
I put in for my maternity leave to start at 38 weeks and of the morning of my 36th week my waters broke! Delivered my little girl a mere six hours later and had to call in sick that morning as I still had a few days to go. Luckily she was born healthy and is a very happy 11week old now.
So, I guess I won't be doing that again.

[T00ManyB00ks]

*had a few days to go until half term