Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Flip

Original poster

Maternity leave second baby

14 replies

Scarletrose18 · 15/08/2019 06:57

Hello ladies

Im finding it hard to decide what date to take maternity leave from because right now, I feel fine

I finished work at around 38 weeks and used some anual leave with dc1 so that I had the maximum time off, but being off at the other side is not an issue for me this time.

I know everyone is different and I have heard its harder second time around as you are more tired etc so just wondering when you went on maternity leave with your 2nd baby or when you felt you had had enough of work and the exhaustion and the "get this baby out" feelings kicked in. 😁

I work in a physical job, its 5 days a week but only part time

Thank you in advance 🙂

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

WhiteVixen · 15/08/2019 07:30

I’m currently 30 weeks with #2. I work in an office so not quite as physical, but I’ll be finishing at 37 weeks with mat leave starting at 39 after a couple of weeks annual leave. I could easily finish now, but I think that’s just me being lazy 😂 there’s no reason why I can’t carry on working as planned.

MrsD28 · 15/08/2019 09:43

I am 38 weeks with DC2 today and am finishing work tomorrow at 38+1. with DC1 I worked until 38+5 and felt fine - I am definitely more tired this time around but perfectly capable of being at work. However, I have an office job so am sitting down for most of the day - not sure if I would have made it this far in a physical job!

PazRaz10 · 15/08/2019 09:55

With my second I planned to leave at 38 weeks (DD was only 17mths) as I had with my first, but towards the end my back was so painful that work agreed I could go at 37 weeks. It's an office job, but actually the sitting all day was what was so painful!
Both DCs went to 40+4.
Could you plan to go at 38 weeks but discuss an earlier departure if things get too hard?

Original poster

Scarletrose18 · 15/08/2019 14:14

Thank you for your experiences ladies and congratulations on your babies 🙂. Its so hard to decide a date in advance when you dont know how you will feel come near the end. You are all troopers working so long.

Yes, thats a good idea, I could pick a date and then say could I possibly change it if things get tough.

OP posts:

Zarara · 15/08/2019 19:38

It’s my second and I’m planning on going on mat leave at 37 weeks but I am now considering leaving at 36 weeks. I have an office job but would really like to have some time off and relax before baby arrives. My sons at nursery and will stay in nursery whilst I’m on mat leave so I will have a few days all to myself prior to baby arriving which sounds like bliss as I haven’t really had any time to relax.

MerryDeath · 15/08/2019 20:51

I'm going to probably go at appx 35 weeks as that will be the beginning of December. I want to chill while I can and have a nice relaxed Christmas with number 1.

pennypineapple · 15/08/2019 21:14

I'm going at 32 weeks! Went at 37 with my first but always said I'd go early the second time because I found working and being heavily pregnant really miserable. I can't wait!

TheLetterOfTheLawTheLetter · 15/08/2019 21:40

In identical position to your, right down to last pregnancy. I have decided to stop 4 weeks before this time, because even if I'm not knackered, I thought it would be nice to hang out with ds1

Original poster

Scarletrose18 · 15/08/2019 21:54

So I had thought of going at 35/36 weeks too this time as I did feel a bit fed up near the end the last time and I was defo tired. I really love being home with dc1 but for some reason I feel like i would be copping out by leaving early so I feel like im stuck in a dilemma, hence this post lol

OP posts:

happyasasandboy · 15/08/2019 21:57

Plan to go as late as you think is reasonable. If you find it too hard in the final weeks then your midwife will sign you off, which would trigger maternity leave anyway (if in last four weeks).

Original poster

Scarletrose18 · 15/08/2019 22:03

Most people in my work talk about how they worked right up and were fine and would rather be at work than home so I think that also impacts how I feel about it. I know that sounds silly and I should just decide and stick to it but I get so many differing opinions.

I need you last 4 ladies to come work with me for some backup 😂

OP posts:

SleeplessWB · 15/08/2019 22:07

I worked to 37 weeks first time but she was born 5 days later so finished at 34 weeks last time which was good as she came at 37 weeks exactly.

didireallysaythat · 15/08/2019 22:13

39+2 as I had an ECD at 39+4. Worked for me - I had my hair cut drastically shorter on the day in between. For DS1 I worked to 40+2 (he was born 42+3 and I was SO bored at home - you can only go swimming so many times in one day...)

welshweasel · 15/08/2019 22:18

Worked til 37+4, elective section 38+1. Would have worked up to the day before but the weekend fell in between. I’m a surgeon and did my last operating list at 37+3. Felt fine.

First pregnancy was off sick from 30 weeks and had baby by 35 so swings and roundabouts.

Flip