Maternity leave only starts on labor?

Question

I was under the impression that working until labor is a personal choice. I already plan on starting the maternity leave on my due day (9/20), but my HR just told me I couldn’t until I’m actually in labor..... is this normal?

Answer

Have you Dr write a note putting you on medical leave starting your due date. Your work doesn’t have to let you until you’re in labor or dr says otherwise.

Answer

I think this may be state dependent?? I reside in the state of NJ, as long as you are employed you pay towards short term disability which is a state plan you are qualified for 16-18 weeks of paid maternity leave. In terms of Maternity NJ disability begins at 36 weeks. You are paid the 4 weeks prior to birth or as long as it takes to have the baby then you are paid your regular maternity leave after that. Also your obgyn can sign you out of work whenever they deem necessary.  Your OBgyn then can also extend your maternity leave by however long they deem necessary by filling out a piece of paper and send it to the state disability program. 
I think there are only 5-6 states where you do NOT need to purchase your own private short term disability policy.   Though we pay for the policy in terms of being taxed in every pay period for the duration of the time you are working.

Answer

I’m in Washington State and always started maternity leave about 2.5 weeks before my due date. I even cut my hours before to part time charging the difference to FMLA leave.

Answer

Most places in US don’t give us great benefits. You could maybe take PTO until you go into labor?

Answer

Not sure where you are but if you’re in the U.K. you can go on maternity leave once you’re 29 weeks (or around this based on Sunday closest I think). I plan on going 2 weeks before so I have more time off with baby after.

Answer

That’s what I was told too. It turned out that I had high BP and was told to stay out of work the last few weeks anyway but before that they said I was supposed to let them know when the baby was born and that’s when maternity leave was supposed to start.

Maternity leave only starts on labor?

Let's Glow!

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