When would you go on mat leave next time if you've had a prem delivery?

[Swaliswan]

I've wondered what I would do next time about when to go on mat leave ever since DD was born at 34+6. What would you do? Does anyone know when they (midwife/consultant) may have an idea if you will deliver early? There was never a reason for DD being early but there is quite a strong family history of prem delivery.

I think I'd probably be inclined to finish as early as possible and rest up at home, feet up and cake in hand!

DS born at 31+6 I was still working. I plan to keep working right up to the last minute this time too. Mind you my work is kind of feet up - cake in hand!! Will stay as long as possible to give me as long off after as possible

Jerin - I'm not sure that I want to work up to the end because I'm on my feet all day. I work in a dermatology day unit as a health care assistant. I won't be able to get past the trolley in theatre without contaminating the sterile field when I get past a certain size!

Swaliswan - I've thought about this too. DS was born at 33+5 and I was still working. TTC no.2 and if successful might try to finish at 32ish. Think I would take advice of midwife/doc though as presumably with history of prem birth you would be monitored more closely.

Daughter was born at 32+4, I'm a teacher and had been planning on working til 37 weeks but walked out of school one fri, was in hospital after waters went on fri eve and she was born early sun morning!

Am now 33+4 (with no signs of imminent labour) and started my maternity leave this week. Will prob still be sat here at 40+ but decided was not worth the risk.

Have seen doctor at each antenatal appointment but no real extra monitoring as reached 3rd trimester. no reason why it should happen again, you may go full term. Good luck.

DS1 was born at 29+6.
I worked until 37 weeks with DS2 and he was born by planned c-section (after failing to show) at 41 weeks!!!! - Had I known he would be that late, I would have worked later.

TTM x x

DD born at 33+4 - emergency CS for pre-eclampsia among other things. Had been incredibly busy at work for the few weeks prior to this. Probably nothing to do with it but didn't want to take any chances with DS. Reduced hours at work from 24/40 and left at 30/40. DS born by elective CS at 39 weeks!
TBH would do the same again if I was ever foolish enough to try for a third.

DS born 30+6 emergency crash section (almost delivered breech on the ward). Gave up work at 14 weeks but still rushed around like a mad thing attending classes etc like a woman possessed, stressed, anxious etc etc

Next pg, gave up work as soon as found out at 4 weeks. Chilled out, got all the help I could, adopted a very determined and positive approach, bed rested every afternoon for at least 2 hours and took warm relaxing aromatherapy baths every night and did lots of v gentle pregancy yoga (esp breathing). DS born naturally at 37 weeks in 6 hours. Enough said.

Thank-you for all of your answers. At the moment, I'm thinking of going on mat leave at 32 weeks. I was looking at some pictures of me when I was pg with DD and don't think that I'll be physically able to do my job after that point because I'll be too big!