Maternity leave

[Nobhobs]

I work 12 hours per week in an admin job. I can spread these hours over as many days as I like, it's very flexible. I am sat a desk working on a computer, it's not a physically demanding job, it's a ten minute drive away. My manager has recommended I begin maternity leave at 36 weeks, I was hoping to work until 38/39 and have been told this is unrealistic.

Does it really seem that unrealistic?

I've known friends who have worked up until 38/39 weeks. It just depends how you are feeling personally.... your boss can't tell you when to take maternity leave. If your signed off with pregnancy related sickness at 36 weeks then your manager could make your maternity leave start.
But you could always use up some annual leave beforehand?

With my first I started mat leave at 38 weeks and I worked full time, 38 hours. I felt fine and able to work until this point but had a very ‘easy’ pregnancy! I was very active and still had quite a bit of energy at that point. Second time around I’m 18 weeks in now and feel like I could happily start mat leave now and sleep for the next 4 months.... you never know how you’ll feel, so you can plan for 38/39 weeks and that might be fine for you especially as your job is so flexible..? Your boss can’t dictate when you start though, just politely tell them you’d rather start later and will assess closer to the time. How much notice do you need to give?