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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

When to start maternity leave?

15 replies

colourPink · 11/09/2023 21:34

I'm 38 weeks on Wednesday and thinking of starting my mat leave then. Just wondering when other people started there's? Not sure if I should hang on a little longer (although I am exhausted!).

FYI - work is flexible as I'm a teacher and they haven't given me a timetable/any classes. No point when I'm back from summer holidays for such a short space of time. I can basically just go when I want!

Also interested in hearing your early birth stories if you're happy to share. When did you know you were in labour? How many weeks were you?

TIA

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PickledScrump · 11/09/2023 21:39

Completely depends how you feel. I find 38 weeks is good though as you have a bit of time to relax and nest before baby comes

DuploTrain · 11/09/2023 21:52

I finished at 38 weeks… but then had nearly 4 weeks before the baby was born.

I enjoyed having time to myself, I wasn’t really in a rush but I know a lot of women feel very uncomfortable towards the end and just want it over with.. so that 4 weeks might have felt quite long to some.

My thinking was that I’m not going to have time to lie on the sofa and in total peace and relaxation again for several years, so I wanted to make the most of it for a couple of weeks.

DuploTrain · 11/09/2023 21:53

p.s. my early labour felt like period pains that got progressively stronger over the next couple of hours. Baby born 24 hours later.

TolkiensFallow · 11/09/2023 21:54

38 weeks is time to stop in my book

Springingintosummer · 11/09/2023 21:56

When do you plan to go back? That would make. Difference as to when I would stop, I think, if go back in Sept, I would stop now. If go back in June etc, maybe get to Friday.

justanothermanicmonday1 · 12/09/2023 05:18

I started mines at 36 weeks. I was getting induced at 38 so I took advantage of DD being in nursery and rested as much as possible.

I finished up at 36 weeks with DD also. Glad I did both times as the sleepless nights and recovery post partum is tough.

Listen to your body. No harm finishing up now x

Spottypineapple · 12/09/2023 06:42

I'm finishing at 37+3 (annual leave to due date then mat leave)

I just work an office job but I'm already mentally checked out (34+1 now) and I want some time to myself!

Hankthehonk · 12/09/2023 07:57

I'm planning to stop at 37 weeks and use annual leave for the last 3 weeks (I get this won't be possible in all jobs). I did the same when I had my daughter and I was so ready to stop, physically and mentally by then. Now with a toddler the time won't be as restful as it was before but I'll still be able to relax and get things organised when she's at nursery.

hdbs17 · 12/09/2023 08:12

My actual maternity leave begins 2 days before my requested elective section date (not had confirmation that I am booked in for then however), so I will be 38+4.

I am using up a few remaining days of annual leave so technically will stop working at 37+5.

I do WFH all of the time though so my theory is that if maternity leave is just me sitting at home, I'd be doing the same if I was working.

If you feel ready and are ok with potentially having 4 weeks alone until baby is here, then go.

CrispAppleStrudels · 12/09/2023 08:37

I stopped work at 37+5 and went into labour at 37+6. I actually was not ready and hadnt mentally switched off from work when my waters broke. I felt quite resentful for a while that i hadnt been able to enjoy any final "me" time just to relax and recharge mentally (i have an office job so not so much physically) before life changes!

With my current pregnancy, ive already told my manager that I'm going to go at 36w so I can have some time whilst DD1 is in nursery at the end of this pregnancy in case there is another early arrival!

Bumbers · 12/09/2023 08:42

I worked until the end both times (had DC1 first day of mat leave and DC2 went off 2 days before planned c section). I have a desk job and could wfh generally and I am valued the time at the end so much more!

Phos · 12/09/2023 09:24

I worked until 38 weeks. I ended up going to MAU on my lunch break on my last day (Friday) and my baby was born on the Sunday. I would have liked a couple of weeks to get myself mentally prepared because I really wasn’t, I was sure she’d be late and that coupled with difficult birth was not the best start. You just never know though.

Viralsunflower · 12/09/2023 09:47

I finished at 30 weeks because I have a very active job and would have struggled to continue now.

With my first, I finished at 36 weeks, brought it forward from 38 weeks which is when I originally planned to finish. Baby was born at 38 weeks.

Original poster

colourPink · 12/09/2023 16:24

Thanks everyone. I told HR today that tomorrow would be my last day. I feel good knowing I've made the choice and looking forward for some down time before bubba arrives.

OP posts:

Chanteuse · 12/09/2023 16:57

I’m a teacher and my last day is Friday, 1st day of mat leave is Monday technically so I’ll be 37+1. Having a C-section sometime during 39w so definitely the right time for me!

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