Is 38 weeks an unrealistic time to start MatLeave?!

[KWebs]

I'm new so be gentle

First time mum and 22 weeks pregnant. Looking to apply for my maternity leave soon and I'm trying to leave it til as late in pregnancy as possible for a number of reasons, however is 38 weeks absolutely ridiculous to aim for?! I have no idea how I'll feel in 15 weeks so no idea if this is completely unrealistic. HOWEVER my work is low impact and not very stressful, my colleagues are quite happy to just put work in front of me if I decide to stay that late, and I work in the same building as my mum so if I'm too big to drive then she can. Plus a cheeky bonus of working across the road from where I'll be giving birth, should I happen to go into labour during work hours. Combined I feel pretty chill about working til 38 weeks but I can't find much opinion online and people I've asked have been pretty neutral in their response I half expect people to laugh at the naivety of my intentions but I welcome honesty!

Also if anyone worked for the NHS and chose to declare they'd be resigning once their mat leave finishes I'd love to talk to you as I think that's my intention!

I went on mat leave at 37 weeks (last week!) and I was so ready for it. Could have done with going a week earlier, but I'd probably say that however early I went. Just wearing shoes became such a chore (I've managed to only wear shoes once this week and am loving life lol). If I'd had to I could have done another week, but it was all getting pretty uncomfortable.

I worked till 38 weeks then ds was late so I had almost four weeks off. Was totally fine. I couldn't fly (did a lot of travel in my job) and did have a bit of a melt down around 36 weeks on a project that had grown arms and legs but work were very supportive and it was all fine. Most mums I know with office-based jobs have gone to 38-ish with their first DCs.

Realistic if you're having a straightforward pregnancy and have a fairly easy job. I think 38 weeks is slightly later than average, but lots of women do manage it and of course first pregnancies are statistically slightly longer than subsequent ones.

Just remember that if you need to go off sick after 36 weeks at all then your ML automatically starts. So if you want to start ML proper as late as possible, it might be safest to hedge bets by doing a week or two of annual leave first.

Not personally resigned but my understanding is that if you dont return to work for at least 3 months following mat leave then you have to pay it back

Not if they only pay you the statutory legal minimum, I handed in my notice after 8 months, one months notice took it to the 9 months which is the end of the paid period. They then had to pay me accrued holidays, from before and during (including bank holidays).

Yeah, you have to pay it back only if BOTH of the following apply:

• You were getting more than the statutory legal minimum of 6 weeks at 90% and 33 weeks at £137, I think it is.
• Your contract says you have to pay any enhanced amount back if you don't return for a particular period.

If you're on SMP only, you can't be made to repay any of that. Because that money comes from the state, and the employer claims it from them to pay you. And even if you're on a million pounds a week, your contract would have to say you had to repay.

I worked until I went into labour both times (actually took a work call while in labour which was a bit surreal)both bang on 40 weeks. Worked from home alot though and got lifts in when I needed to go to the office, for the last few weeks.
I was driving to sites 5hr away until weeks 35/36 respectively with dc1 & dc2. By 36 weeks this not a fun drive or experience.

I did 38 with the first and later with the second as spent the time waiting bored as all friends and family were at work.

As a midwife I'd say this sounds fine as you have a sedentary job and are well supported. Be prepared to change though. Unexpected things can happen and if you can't work you will have to start mat leave earlier than planned.

I resigned from an NHS post just before I went back with my third.
I had to go back for 3 months but with A/L I had built up over Mat Leave it was 2 months.

I had a week of annual leave pre-booked starting on Boxing Day so worked Christmas Day as my last shift, 38 wks +4 and was absolutely fine.

I found I felt better towards the end of my pregnancy, the exhaustion of the first few months was a killer.

As long as you don't develop medical issues (which will get you signed off anyway), then no it's not unrealistic to work until 38 weeks. I felt better at 38 weeks than I did at almost any point up to then with both my pregnancies. You're big and rather tired at the end (or at least MOST women are - some remain slim and trim to the end), but most women feel pretty well at that point, so if you have a low stress job I don't see why you can't still be at work.

Hi,

I went at 36 weeks with my first (had very swollen feet and felt extremely uncomfortable by then) and he was born at 38 weeks. I went a bit earlier the 2nd time, at 32 weeks, but had a much easier time with baby no.2 and felt better (so could've worked longer) - BUT, she was also born at 38 weeks.
You never know when they will make an appearance so I think 36 weeks is about right.
I work for the NHS too. I wouldn't mention your intentions to them just yet. You will have to pay back some maternity leave pay if you don't return but keep your options open until nearer the time.