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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 did you start maternity leave?

22 replies

Rhian82 · 10/09/2008 09:58

I'm currently 33 weeks, and supposed to be starting my maternity leave at 37 weeks. But I keep missing odd days and mornings of work because I feel crap, and I'm wondering if I should be starting now - but I couldn't afford a whole extra month off

I was just wondering when was most usual for finishing work?

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lauraloola · 10/09/2008 10:26

I started at 35 weeks, I had some holiday to use up aswell.

There is a point where if you are off for pregnancy reasons they start your maternity leave automatically - It was in my pack I got from work, might be worth checking that to make sure they wont start it for you.

buttercreamfrosting · 10/09/2008 11:02

I went at 37 weeks with all three of mine (also because I didn't want to waste the leave) and all three were nearly two weeks early....Worked out quite well!

Smittals · 10/09/2008 11:10

I waited to 38 weeks then had a week of holiday, a week of mat leave before the due date - then 2 weeks of hanging about before DD decided to appear I knew I'd only get 6 months of mat leave which is why I chose to wait until the 'last' minute. This time round I will probably leave a bit earlier, just to get some rest time while dd is at nursery. Agree with you about money worries though. But you've also got to consider your health and your baby's well being!

TeriHatchetJob · 10/09/2008 11:13

With my first child it was the day I gave birth.

I was determined to have as much time off as possible afterwards.

I was communting 2 hours every day and working 12 hour days too but that was when I was young and careless and career mad!

GeneHuntFanClub · 10/09/2008 11:25

I went at 27 weeks

(well 29 weeks with 2 weeks of holiday)

EDTessa · 10/09/2008 18:19

I wasn't sure whether to stop at 37 or 38 weeks...in the end glad I stopped at 37 weeks cos I got some of my energy back (had been just collapsing every night after work) and also found I had loads more antenatal appointments which would have been difficult to fit in with work.

Preganancy-related sickness once you're past 36 weeks can automatically start your maternity leave - unless your employer turns a blind eye...

PeppermintPatty · 10/09/2008 18:45

I went at 34 weeks. And was glad I did as I was exhausted (this might have had something to do with moving house though!).
It was also June and very warm. My office doesn't have air con and I was so hot and uncomfortable and had legs and feet the size of an elephant's

Seabright · 10/09/2008 18:47

I'm finishing at 36 weeks, then I have 2 weeks holiday.

I am now wondering if I should work longer as this weeks round of emails from bounty/pampers/boots etc (I signed up to get all the free stuff they give you) say there's not reason not to work up until your due date (unless you're ill), so I am I being lazy?

CaptainUnderpants · 10/09/2008 18:52

My maternity leave offically started on my due date , however I finished at about 36 weeks with both as I had lost of holiday leave to use up.

PeppermintPatty · 10/09/2008 18:54

No you're not been lazy. You could work up to your due date. But it's nice to have a rest before the mayhem begins.
Although if you already have LOs that need looking when you're not in work, it might actually be easier to work

aendr · 10/09/2008 19:02

I'm going on ML at 38 weeks, but having 3 full weeks annual leave before that (use it or lose it) and shortening the 8 weeks before that by one day a week by using annual leave. It's helping a lot with my tiredness.

(Hello, this is my first mumsnet post!)

AEndr
30 weeks tomorrow

coolkat · 10/09/2008 19:12

I am nearly 33 weeks and with DD worked up until 38 weeks, this time really struggling with back and SPD so hoping to get signed off until 36 weeks and then start ML.

Work would prefer it if I were not in work on my crutches, will still answer emails etc from home.

AnathemaDevice · 10/09/2008 19:37

I'm planning on starting my leave at around 25 weeks or so- I'm not going back afterwards, I hate my job, and I want to get out as soon as I possibly can! Should be leaving just before Christmas, all being well. If I hadn't got pregnant I'd be thinking about leaving at around this time anyway.

ceebee74 · 10/09/2008 19:41

I am doing similar to another poster. Am leaving work at 35+ weeks but will have 3 weeks holiday so my mat leave won't officially start until I am nearly 39 weeks.

But, the 3 weeks before I leave (i.e. between 32 and 35 weeks) I am using some more holiday and just doing 2 days a week for those 3 weeks to give me some rest.

It is entirely your decision but your employers can start your maternity leave at 36 weeks automatically if you are off sick with a pregnancy-related illness.

Gorgeoushoney1980 · 10/09/2008 19:48

I worked up until 38 weeks. I found the last 2 weeks a real struggle though

Original poster

Rhian82 · 10/09/2008 20:36

Thanks everyone. I'm not actually starting my maternity leave till my due date - I'm taking the three weeks before that off as holiday, which seems fairly normal.

I couldn't remember how far along it was before they could force you to start your ML early - I'm glad it's as late as 36 weeks as that's only a possible week before. I don't think they'd want to force me anyway - at the moment they don't have anyone else to do my job so I think they'll want me for as long as possible, even if I am missing the odd morning!

OP posts:

Donk · 10/09/2008 20:38

I officially started Maternity leave at 40 weeks - 2 weeks and 5 days after ds was born!

PavlovtheCat · 10/09/2008 20:42

I finished the day before I gave birth, officially! However I was due to start it two weeks earlier than due date.

ninja · 10/09/2008 20:49

First time - worked up to DD was born (3 days early) and was meant to be working next day!!

This time stopping at 39 weeks (next week), but I'm really slowing down and feeling it as have DD to worry about. As it happens I'll miss bits of work for extra blood tests and hopital appointments in the next week (which I'm not sorry about)

Welcome aendr

cmotdibbler · 10/09/2008 20:59

I finished the day I gave birth (35 weeks) - well, the Monday actually when I rang in to say that I wouldn't be coming in on account of being in hospital with the baby. My suprise announcement was spoilt by the fact that lots of people had seen the engineering manager grabbing his car keys and running out of the factory on the Friday when I'd phoned him to ask him if he'd mind taking me to the hospital as my waters had broken, and DH was away. So he'd had loads of phone calls to see if everything was OK with him.

My friend worked till 38 weeks with her twins - had two days off before her induction. She reckoned being at work was much more relaxing than being at home - and cooler

BlueJellie · 10/09/2008 21:08

I stopped at 36 weeks (this week) and am having a weeks annual leave, official mat leave starts next Monday. Would've gone 2 weeks earlier if I could but have to have been there a year at least when mat leave starts to get my enhanced mat pay. My job isn't physically tiring but I found the commute hard as don't drive, and mushy pregnant brain made it difficult to concentrate on my work. Am rather bored at home alone while DP at work but is nice to slob out on settee & have lie ins when there's torrential rain outside, won't miss walking to the bus stop in that!

Wisknit · 11/09/2008 07:45

29 WEEKS.
V. physical job though involving lifing and stuff and got up at 5 every morning didn't get in til 6-6.30 so was shattered.
Much nicer than work.

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