Finishing up for maternity leave

[McBilbo]

Hi everyone! First time posting I think. Just looking for opinions or advice. I’m 31 weeks pregnant with quite a high stress job. I was thinking of leaving for maternity leave 1st April, which would make me 32 weeks.

long story short, I don’t even think I will have a job to come back to as I’m currently fixed term and they may not confirm me in post. Not ideal at all.

it’s this fact that’s making me think to just go. I’ve asked for an update as my fixed term is due to be renewed 31st march but I’ve not received an answer.

Im just thinking, is it even worth me staying in a bit longer? When do most people finish up anyways? I have a desk managerial role, which is super high stress. I hear a lot of people go to like 37 weeks! Is it normal to go 34 weeks?

I just don’t see why I should stay if they are not going to confirm me in post anyways

I’m a veterinary surgeon and going at 38 weeks. Every pregnancy is different if you feel like going now then that’s okay

Obviously it depends > the earlier you finish the less time with baby too

If you're saying you won't be going back to work after then I'd finish at 32. If you will then I'd keep going so that you have longer with your baby. Most people I know finished at 38.

Finished at 37wks with my first, but technically that was holiday as it fell over Christmas. I’ve recently had my second and worked til 39wks.

If there’s a question mark over whether your contract will be renewed after I would personally work as close to due date as you can to ensure as much pay as possible pre-mat leave.

First pregnancy I went at 33 weeks. This time I’m going at 38. I realised it was better to spend time with the baby rather than spend the time pregnant. Also second time around I’d have to have my 3yo around (and will in those last two weeks) because she’s cared for by my
parents, who will only take her if I’m at work! And I figured that’d be exhausting when approaching my due date. Every pregnancy is different though, I found the first one way more
exhausting and painful but I think this time around it’s less painful because everything has already stretched once before and less exhausting because I’m used to much worse sleep deprivation!

See that’s the thing, I just don’t know if they’re keeping me on. The way they have gone about things is quite underhanded. I have a meeting Tuesday and il be asking them. There’s no point me staying if they won’t confirm my contract. It’s quite upsetting actually

It doesn't sound like you'll get paid for maternity either way in that case so I'd be tempted to leave if you can afford to.