I have a pretty chilled job, I work in retail and do most of my shifts on the checkouts. I only do 25 hours a week.

I want to have as much time after as possible, rather than wasting maternity leave doing nothing at home so I said I’d work until i’m exactly 38 weeks, however my manager keeps hinting that she wants me to go earlier.

I’ve said I’ll book it for 38 weeks and if I get closer to the time and feel I can’t do it I will let her know. I’m currently 26 weeks and feeling fine, not struggling at all and I’m a low risk pregnancy.

Any personal experiences or advice on this? When did you start your maternity leave?