Maternity leave automatically started at 36 weeks

[Amp25]

I’m currently off work (primary school teacher) with a pregnancy related illness. I was hoping to go on maternity leave at 38 weeks but unfortunately I’m too ill to go back and so my maternity leave will automatically start at 36 weeks. I am 36 weeks on Tuesday (29.4.25) so would my maternity leave automatically start the Sunday before (27.4.25)?

I had my youngest 14 yrs ago so may have changed but I experienced pregnancy related sickness. My mat leave started bang on 36 weeks to the date.

It depends on your employer's policy whether or not it can start on any day of the week. Mine is starting mid week. You'll have to speak to HR/ your manager about it.