When to go on maternity 2nd baby

[Rose2688]

Hi, how long before baby is due would you go on maternity for a second baby? Interested to hear others experiences and advice. I work mainly from home.

Stopped at 38 weeks both times. DC1 was 2 weeks late, and I was quite bored before he arrived. DC2 came on her due date and that 2 weeks was perfect. I’d do the same again as I don’t think I’m the type to have them early and like to maximise the time with the baby.

My due date fell in the six week summer holidays and I was due to be induced towards the end of that, so I took a week's holiday before my induction date and started my actual mat leave when I was induced. Gave me a week of quality time with my then 7 year old before the her sister arrived

I worked from home and had a 4 year old in (in school) I had a planned C section so I decided to work up to two weeks before but I ended up starting mat leave earlier (about 4 days earlier) but that was because I physically couldn't stand or even sit any longer. I have a spinal deformity and my second pregnancy was absolutely awful with spinal pain. So I spend almost 3 weeks in bed before my surgery.

I did 6 weeks before with both. My daughter was 3 when I had my second and she was just starting pre school so it was nice to spend all my time with her before baby arrived then get baby stuff ready and chill before he came. Both came on their due date!

I didn’t go back to work after having my first
my sister was at work ( a very physical demanding job) at 40 weeks pregnant and went into labour when there!

With my first I finished 2 weeks before due date and she was 8 days late so with my second I finished a week before c section date but would have done that week too if I had childcare for my school aged daughter sorted (was school go look days).

I wouldn’t go by when you’re first came though. My first was 8 days late and I went into natural labour with my second while already in hospital waiting my turn for the planned c section which was 5 days before due date.

I have 3 children and with no 1 I worked until 37 weeks, then had 2 weeks holiday so technically 39 weeks, she was born on her due date.

No 2 I worked until 34 weeks and had 5 weeks holiday, born at 39+2 (planned).

No 3 I worked until 32 weeks and had 6 weeks holiday, born at 39wks.

I LOVED the one on one time with my toddlers before their sibling arrived this was so important to me. Also I was enormous, especially with no 3 and couldn't fit behind the steering wheel or walk anywhere so playing at home with the tv on, snacks was perfect for us. I still had 1 yrs maternity leave and a few weeks holiday on the end so all my babies had turned 1 before I went back to work.