Maternity leave- your plans/thoughts?

[2020babym]

Just want a second opinion really and to see what others plans are!

I work full time, office job, v long commute (just over 3hrs a day) and first child. I'm thinking of heading off at 36 weeks, but taking annual leave between 36-38 weeks with Mat leave officially starting at 38 weeks.

What do you think? Too much/too less? The commute is a killer and involves driving, train, tube etc. but towards the end I know my work will be flexible on me working from home as much as I need to.

Thanks!

There is no right or wrong on when to start your time off. It all depends if you can afford it and if you feel it's right for you. Plus you can't quite know how you'll feel by 36 weeks. You might still fell like doing things, but you could also feel quite tired and find it difficult to move around.

The only thing I see people complaining sometimes is that they get bored easily before baby cones, but you could fill that time by doing some in dept cleaning or getting last bite ready, having some nice time for you, spending time with friends.

I will be taking my leave at 32 weeks, but I already struggle as have bad SPD and I'm still recovering from flu. I won't get bored as I have other children too.

I also worked full time in an office but had a reasonably easy (45mins each way) commute. Finished at 36w and used holiday to 40w with maternity leave starting on my due date. I worked from home 2 days/week for the third trimester (had previously done one day/week).

I had a very easy pregnancy but I was ready to go by 36w. The exhaustion hit me like a train at the end! I spent my 4 week off sleeping, pottering around, tidying and doing nice things with friends and family.

DS came 2 days after his due date and is now 6 weeks. Im grateful for the time I had to chill before he arrived and the madness started

I work in an office with a 45 min commute either way.. not a super stressful job but busy & full on. I think your plans sound very reasonable.. it’s really up to how you feel I think. My first, I had such a rough pregnancy that I was ready to finish at 36 weeks. I needed a rest & to not struggle on anymore! I took annual leave first & my mat leave kicked in the week of my due date.

I didn’t really get bored. I had some boxsets lined up, a couple new books.. I washed and sorted all the baby clothes. My house was spotless, I batch cooked meals, I sorted cupboards, I went for lunch with my recently retired mum.. I just really enjoyed the ‘me’ time & having no responsibility for a few weeks!

I’ll be doing the exact same with my second come Feb/March. I’ve had another HG pregnancy & associated complications. I’m tired & I feel dreadful most of the time! Plus a toddler to entertain this time too. Roll on Feb!

I work in an office with a relatively easy commute, I adore my job, honestly I love it but I bailed at almost 36 weeks, using holiday to take me to 39 weeks and officially starting mat leave the week before my due date. My office is a stressful environment and my SPD was made so much worse because of my desk setup but honestly I would've done the same regardless. It's entirely up to you, when you feel you'll be ready/when you can afford to start your mat leave.

I had an hour (each way) commute and a mildly physical job. Ten hour shifts, four days a week. I was more than ready to finish by 35 weeks.

I was supposed to finish work at 36+2, taking annual leave until due date. Instead I was diagnosed and admitted to hospital at 36+1 and induced a week later.

If 36 seems right for you, it will be. Definitely take advantage of all the working from home you can.

I finished on Christmas Eve at 37 weeks as I would have had to work Christmas and New Year otherwise and I thought I would be ready. Whilst it's been great to have time off with my partner over the festive period I'm 4 days into my actual maternity leave and I'm so bored! I know I'm supposed to use this time to relax and prepare for the babies arrival but I've found myself climbing the walls. Work was a welcomed distraction and I kind of wish I'd gone a bit longer. You need to think realistically whether you'll be physically and mentally prepared to continue, especially if you've got a long commute. No one warned me about playing the waiting game though, good luck whatever you decide x

I had a commute much like yours, I thought I could do it till 38 weeks but bought it forward to 36 weeks instead.

However, if your work is flexible and you can work from home I would try and take your leave as late as possible. You will get more time with the baby and first borns are normally late! Good luck!