Can I take maternity leave when I want?

Question

So I have a baby due in January and am just trying to plan my life these next few months. Am I going to be able to take maternity leave at 36 weeks if I want if I have a normal/uncomplicated pregnancy. Or do you always need a doctors note to go out before the baby is born? I live in Connecticut if that helps. I’m not sure if I’ll be returning to work after the baby so I’m not worried about time at home with the baby after birth.

Answer

Yes, you can leave 4 weeks before your due date even if you don’t have complications.

Answer

You can, but where I worked at, it took away from the 12 weeks, so I had 4 less weeks with baby.

Answer

I’m in the U.K. so it’s probably completely different here but you can start mat leave as easily as 11 weeks prior to your due date (so 29 weeks pregnant) and are entitled to 52 weeks altogether. 
It’s worth adding that over  here you have to return to work for at least 13 weeks or you have to pay back your maternity pay!

Answer

This may be state dependent judging by the other comments,  so you will have to look up the laws in your state. Here, your employer is only required to hold your job for 12 weeks total per the FMLA, regardless of if you start leave before or after the baby is born,  but this does not come with pay. If you are not planning on returning to work,  this may not matter to you, and obviously you can quit your job at any time if you're not coming back. I'm not sure if you qualify for any short term disability pay via your employer or state,  but if so, to be eligible for coverage you would need to have a medical reason for discontinuing your work in order to get paid. Hope this helps!

Answer

I live in NJ, but I still had to get a medical certificate from my midwife to start my leave 4 weeks before EDD. It was basically just regular FMLA paperwork, and her office didn’t even blink an eye when I brought it to be filled out. They even seemed surprised I didn’t want to start leave at 6 weeks prior instead of 4 lol.

Answer

U should b able to take it ahen ever you want just have to talk to ur job

Can I take maternity leave when I want?

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