When should you start maternity leave?

[Daniya]

Hi all. This is my first pregnancy and I have about a zillion questions to which I just don't know the answer. One of which is what is the norm as to when you could/should start maternity leave. Obviously I realise its different for each person but I was wondering if anyone had any general ideas. My thoughts are that I would like to work as late as possible so that I can use my maternity leave when the baby is actually around although this may be more wishful thinking than practical - especially with a 2 hour commute each day on lovely London tubes/trains!

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Starlight, my friend did that and it really worked for her. as she was really relaxed when the baby came.

I tried to go to 37 but low blood pressure meant that I kept fainting and a couple of times had to pull over on the side of the motorway and lie down in the car. It was just too dangerous to continue so left at 35. Got really bored, however, and wish i could have managed to go to 37.

Probably only bored because the fainting means I'm not allowed to leave the house or drive without someone with me. This prevents shopping, lunches, swimming etc. Had I been able to swan around as I pleased it would have been great. Am almost 39 weeks now and can't wait for this baby to arrive so that I can go for a walk without having to take husband/mum/dad/randon stranger that I can persuade to accompany me!!

I started at 36 weeks..left work on the Friday and went into labour on the Sunday..not ideal, but no time to worry about things I suppose!!!

I work in London too with an 1hr 40 min commute each way and i worked up to 17 August last year - baby was due on August 23rd but didn't end up coming until August 31st. it was a nice cool summer last year which did help on the tube as no-one really gave me a seat until I got to about 34 weeks. I'm glad I did it that way as sitting around waiting for the baby to put in an appearance was awful and it also maximised my maternity leave after she arrived so i could spend the six months I had off with her, rather than waiting for her!

I work(ed) in London with an hour commute. DD was due in August last year. Left at 35 weeks looking forward to a few weeks to myself but DD born a week later. Still feel a tiny bit that I missed out especially as all my NCT group were ladies of leisure for the next few weeks..