When do you go on maternity leave? Before or on your due date?

Question

My job asked me to get a letter from my Dr detailing when my due date was and when I should go on my maternity leave. My Dr said "maternity leave starts whenever I have the baby" Do women really work up until the day they have their child or, do you go on maternity leave before then?

Answer

I was in labor all day at work with my first 🤣 this mama wasn’t going to waste a minute of maternity leave without her baby!

Answer

I'm going to work until I have the baby.

Answer

I have always worked up until the day of my inductions.  (I have always gone over due and had to be induced.)  In my opinion, maternity leave is for when you actually have the baby.

Answer

I believe it depends what state you live in as well. I’m in California. So I am approved to start my paid disability leave 4 weeks prior to my due date, and then an additional 6 or 8 weeks paid (depending on how I deliver) and an additional paid 6 weeks baby bonding. This is all through the EDD (Employee Development Department) for the state of California. It is different for every state.

Answer

I live in Australia and it’s standard to finish at 36 weeks here- some employers want a medical certification from a doctor if you want to work past that.. I’m working until 37 weeks this time- depends what work you do as well I think!

Answer

Where I am you can start whenever but it takes away from your time after baby is born. I plan to work until baby comes.

Answer

With our first I worked on Friday. Due date was Saturday. Used 2 PTO days Monday and Tuesday, was induced Tuesday. 
With our twins, I clocked out for lunch to go to a NST then was sent to labor and delivery.

Answer

I’m working from home now because of covid and I’m having a scheduled C Section so it makes sense for me to just work up until that day. I have so much PTO left over and can only carry 5 days that I may just take a day or two off before just to get things ready.

When do you go on maternity leave? Before or on your due date?

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