First baby

[Turt]

When did you go on maternity leave? When did you give birth?

I'm wondering if going off at 36 weeks is too early. I will be using annual leave until my due date.

I cant remember when I went on maternity as it was 9 years ago but I had him 9 days early. X

Hi @Turt - I'm 33 weeks at the moment and going on two weeks annual leave at 36 weeks, then mat leave will start at 38 weeks. It's earlier than I thought I'd plan to finish up, but I'm tired and can't be bothered anymore, the commute is really tough and although I'm lucky enough to be able to WFH a couple of days a week, my energy is definitely flagging. I'm not as productive as I would be normally and it's the fairest thing to do by my employer as well.

I went on annual leave at 30 weeks, maternity leave started at 33 weeks, baby arrived at 36 weeks.

I finished that early as was struggling through the 3rd trimester.

Hi @Turt - I'm 33 weeks at the moment and going on two weeks annual leave at 36 weeks, then mat leave will start at 38 weeks. It's earlier than I thought I'd plan to finish up, but I'm tired and can't be bothered anymore, the commute is really tough and although I'm lucky enough to be able to WFH a couple of days a week, my energy is definitely flagging. I'm not as productive as I would be normally and it's the fairest thing to do by my employer as well.

I should mention that I'm having a planned c-section at week 39.

I'm going on maternity in my 37th week but honestly i wish I'd gone earlier. Really struggling with tiredness at 35 weeks. So 36 to me actually sounds about ideal. Bit of course the longer you hold off the more time you'll get with your baby.

My mat doesn't actually start though until after my edd technically because I've got leave tacked on which is one good thing!

This is my first too.

First 37 weeks and had baby 40+2.

Second was early and I gave birth on my way home from work, having a week left. I really missed that time to get prepared and make my nest!

36 weeks sounds good, in my experience too much time is better than none!

I started my mat leave at 39 weeks, but only because I couldn't travel for work anymore due to complications. Gave birth at 40+4.

Personally, I would have been bored senseless going off at 36 weeks - I was quite uncomfortable by then and being in work helped me stay busy. At home, I would have been constantly clock watching, waiting for the baby to arrive. But I think it depends on what job you do etc.

My mat leave started on Monday at 36+5. Purely because I couldn't manage the commute. SPD is a bitch.

1st baby mat leave started 37+1, baby born at 37+5. I'm 36 weeks with #2 now, mat leave starting 36+4 and will be induced at 38 weeks.

You can start leave whenever you feel ready though, I regretted not having more time off before dc1 was born, it felt like I never got a chance to rest going from working FT to having a newborn.

Mat leave started at 38+5, baby came (finally) at 42 weeks. Was pretty bored and frustrated waiting for her to arrive, glad I didn't finish work any earlier. I was pretty well for the last few weeks of pregnancy though and able to commute/work with only minor adjustments eg. 2 WFH days per week, lots of snack breaks etc.! Could just see how you go and start earlier if necessary?

Took Mat leave at 33weeks ds at 33.3weeks x

I'm going at 33 weeks! Taking a couple weeks as annual leave and then officially mat leave from what will be 36 weeks. I'm a higher risk of a pre-term birth than 'most' but we're also refurbishing our entire house and I will have tonnes to sort out before the baby gets here. That said, I can't stand the competitive attitude towards starting maternity as late as possible, I've certainly felt pressured to stay in work right up until the baby falls out at my desk!! (Completely understand if it's genuinely the mother's preference to stay on as long as possible though)

31+3, the day after my daughter was born.

I’m planning on going at 37 weeks, but only because of the way Xmas falls. My industry works through Xmas so it’s not like there is an obvious shutdown period like some workplaces, we’re always busy. However I’m aware I might get more and more tired (currently 28 weeks) & started recruiting my cover last week so we have some time to work together before I stop.

I think it really depends on the type of work you do as well as how you feel - some jobs will be easier to go further on with.

I'm planning on going at 38+6, with flexibility to go a week earlier if I decide I want to. I'm currently 34+4 and doing ok so I think another 4 weeks should be fine (provided she doesn't turn up early!)

With my first I went on mat leave at 39+4 and had baby at 40 weeks but got a full 12 months 9ff and then took 2 weeks holidays at the end of my mat leave as well as I wanted more time with baby than just sitting about house waiting for baby to arrive.

This time round am now self employed and will be going off about 35 weeks this is due to my job requiring alot 9f physical work xx

I was fine, not tired at all, was working as long up to my due date. Then went to a routine MW appointment on a Thursday, Friday I’d booked as annual leave and instead spent it in hospital having tests and scans, DD was born Sunday at 38 weeks exactly ( and was absolutely fine). I sometimes wish I could have had a week or two just chilling before she came but you never know what’s going to happen, she could have been two weeks late!

Wow, this is all so helpful and insightful! Huge good luck to you lovely ladies who are giving birth soon, how very exciting.

I will be starting my annual leave on the first of the month and my EDD is the 22nd of the month. The main reason is because I am at higher risk of pre-eclampsia and I want to have as much time to myself to relax prior to her arrival. I calculated slightly wrong, it would be 36+6.

Judging by all your responses it seems an ok time to start. Hopefully I won't get too bored!

Annual leave 21st November. Maternity 9th December. Due date 6th December. Back to work in April 2020 so trying to stretch it out as long as possible (can't carry annual leave).

First dc started mat leave at 39+5, ds arrived at 40+5.

In hindsight I should have started mat leave earlier as was struggling with the hours (working 60+ hours) but had a stupid feeling of commitment to a project and wanted to see completion.

@Turt you won't get bored if you sleep and nap and rest and sleep some more.

Honestly, enjoy it. Take all the time for yourself and enjoy the anticipation. Its a wonderful time, even if it is uncomfortable and knackering.