When to start maternity leave...

Question

I’m approaching that time where I will need to tell HR which date I intend to start my maternity leave and for how long etc... at the moment I’ve had a straightforward pregnancy, however I am only in my second trimester so things could quite easily change as my pregnancy progresses. 
I was thinking of starting my leave at the beginning of my 39 weeks and use my remaining 10 days of annual leave before then - so I’ll essentially be working to the beginning of 37 weeks. 
My work is office based so I’m sat down most of the time. I have a 1 hour bus journey there and back for commuting. On the return journey I have to walk up a hill which currently takes 15 min... used to take 10. 
I should also mention that my work place is a 10min walk to the hospital maternity unit, so I’m in a great place if anything was to happen at work!
This is my first so I’m a little blind on how I’m going to cope... I was relatively fit and slim before pregnancy but can’t say the same now! 
What have you done in the past? Would you suggest making different arrangements?

Answer

Ah I was literally going to write a post asking for advice on when to start maternity leave from. I was thinking 3 weeks before due date? But I really have no idea! Isn't it true most first babies are late so maybe your suggestion of 39 is better. Hard as I want to try and balance it of not being so ridiculously hard at work but also as much time off with the baby as possible.  Tricky!

Answer

I am stopping at 36 weeks, so my last week is my 35th. I just want time to mentally prep. Pack in extra sleep! And have some me time before everything changes xxx

Answer

I also had an office job with roughly an hour commute each way. I worked until 36wks because daughter came early. But would say I wouldn’t have physically lasted past 37wks....feet start to swell and become exhausted. 
Your plan sounds good to me. And hopefully your work is semi-flexible in case it becomes too difficult easier than expected

Answer

I’m a school teacher and worked up to 38 + 4 days and maternity started on 39+2. Daughter came 39+ 4 😂 it was my first pregnancy but I knew I’d be able to cope physically and mentally until then. Only you know what will be best but unfortunately it’s a bit of a guessing game with your first 🤷🏽‍♀️

Answer

I started mat leave at 38 weeks but used holidays for 2 weeks before that, however the dr ended up signing me off the week before that with bad pelvic pains 🙄

Answer

I think I’m going to work until 37/38 weeks and use one or two weeks leave and then maternity... only because we have to be on maternity one week before due date. 
As a HR Manager myself though, you can change the date you’re finishing closer to the time again - just make sure your handover is ready so if anything happened it’s all covered?

Answer

You can always change your expected start date. You are protected more than the employer and the law realises things can and probably will change the closer you get to EDD x

Answer

The same if you are sick wishing the last 4 weeks before your EDD, your maternity leave will automatically start then. 
Your HR rep should go through everything with you and tell you your money entitlement etc.

Answer

I planned to work up until 39 weeks however this baby had other ideas and I was told to stop, now because of that I have worked up until 38 weeks with both my children. I'm a hairdresser so on my feet all day but if I was a desk job I would possibly ignore my midwife 😂😂. You need to just sit and think about how you think you will cope. All I would say is Try and work as far as you can as it means more time off with the baby the other end if you are going to go back to work eventually :)

When to start maternity leave...

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey