When to take maternity leave

[Babynumerodos]

I know this is a decision I can only make myself but I’m looking for advice anyway.

Currently 23 weeks so I know mat leave is a long way off but I want to start getting organised and working out when to go off. I work in an open office so sitting down all day so not a lot of physical work. Mentally there’s a lot of work and things to remember which is a struggle as ice realised now how real baby brain is!

I’ve had quite a smooth pregnancy so far, had some bleeding which I had to take time off work for but it was nothing to worry about and I’ve had a few days off due to low blood pressure as I’d been fainting (probably down to heat!) work have been supportive.

I want to leave with enough spare time to spend with DS and DP before baby comes. There’s a few things in the house I want to sort out too. I’m due November 3rd but DC1 came unexpectedly at 36 weeks. I know it does not necessarily mean that this baby will be 4 weeks early but I feel I would be better to assume it would come a little earlier so that when I go off I can have enough time to myself before baby comes.

I was thinking mid September when I would be about 32 weeks, but it seems so early if baby came on time (or late). Has anyone else taken mat leave that early and coped with the wait? How do you keep yourself busy once you’ve done all that needs to be done?

Anyone who worked right up until the end -Were you glad you did?

I went at 36 weeks because I knew I was being induced at 38 and wanted a couple of weeks off before that! I could have worked longer tbh, but it was nice to have that time off by myself. 32 weeks feels quite early but since this isn’t your first I can’t imagine you’ll be short of things to do!

I finished work at 38+5, moved into new build house 38+6 and my son was born 40+1. It was definitely the right decision for me. I work in a medical laboratory so it's a mixture of sitting at a computer and being on my feet processing samples. It enabled me to stay active which I think helped during the labour and meant that I wasn't bored at home. I think it depends how you feel within yourself, personally if I hadn't have moved into a new house so had to open boxes etc then I would have been able to work another week.

I am currently 33 weeks with DC2 and plan to finish at 38+1 (I like to finish on a Friday!). Last time I worked until 38+5 (also a Friday) which was about right - I was tired in the last few weeks but could still shuffle into work. However, I work in an office job with an uncomfortable (Tube) but not very long commute - would probably feel very differently if I had to be on my feet all day!

I am definitely finding it tougher going this time - getting more tired by the end of the day, and struggling to concentrate at work (hence on MN at 11.55am). I am hoping to have handed over pretty much everything by my last week or so to have an easy final week.

I was originally going at 36+1 with two weeks holiday and then leave starting at 38+4...
But I have just pulled forward a week to 35 as I’m already exhausted (I’m 32) and have pelvic pain.
The thought of three weeks left, fills me with happiness, wether I’m bored or not!