When did you go on maternity leave?

I'm getting mixed advice on what I should expect or anticipate. Many people I speak to say " just work right the way up you get longer with your baby and it costs you less". Others are saying, "Don't be stupid you'll need your rest take a month before your due date or else you'll be tired when he arrives!" 🤔 I don't have the luxury of taking that time off before he arrives unless I absolutely have to financially we couldn't do it UK standard maternity pay is criminal. But comment and tell me how likely am I to be able to work up to the legal 1week before my due date?