changes in maternity leave 1st april 2007

[h27]

Please could someone advise? i am self employed and will be going on maternity leave feb 2007 as i am due to have my baby! the only prob is is that i have been given two due dates one is the 31st march and the 1st april! There are new changes in maternity leave from the 1st april 07! The government have now extended it from 26 weeks to 39 weeks if your baby is due on or after the 1st april!!! I really dont know why i should miss out on the extra 3 months mat leave as i have two dates!! Please please help! what can i do? any suggestions.

thanks h27

Firstly, what date is on your MAT1B form? This is the date that will be used to determine your entitlement.

Secondly, being self-employed is a bit different from being an employee - have a look at these factsheets from Working Families:

Maternity Leave

Atypical workers

I saw on mumsnet someone say their doctor or nurse had given them a date after 31st March so they could benefit but I doubt that is legal. Try to get whoever issues the form which I thnk is MAT1 or whatever to say 1st April. Ask for an extra scan if they're not sure. It could be worth you paying for a private scan if they won't so you and I think your husband (there is paternity leave at stake here too) get the benefits.

thanks very much for information! i have got a 28 week scan coming up on the 9th jan, do you think its too late to ask for a due date again as they say the baby gets too big to give another date! my midwife is not helpful at all!! on my matb form they have put 31st march! but i have not sent it off yet as my dates are coming up around the 1st 2nd.
thanks h27