Am I taking maternity leave too early?

Question

Financially I've been prepared for FMLA. I prepaid bills up to 3 months in advance back in March and continued to keep paying on a monthly schedule so I am set up until December. 
Im currently 34 weeks now and have been in labor and delivery twice for preterm labor that I decided at 35 weeks (next week) I was going to start my maternity leave.
I still feel like it is early due to being 5 weeks out from due date but I feel useless at work since I'm technically supposed to be on bedrest but I just do the bare minimum now since I mve already delegated my tasks off to other team members. 
This is my first and I still feel weird going out of my normal routine. Anyone else taking maternity leave early? Like at 35 weeks?

Answer

I would if I could financially handle that. I HATE that we have to make choices like this here. In other countries, women can take very long term paid leaves and not have to worry about whether or not they get to take just a few weeks more off. 
You’re supposed to be on bed rest. Be on bed rest. It’s better for you and the baby.

Answer

I have saved to finish at 35 weeks. My last two babies I worked until 38 weeks and it didn’t give me any time to rest or nest… and my first was born at 38 weeks so didn’t even get a few days

Answer

With my first I worked until 41 weeks. This time I’m done at 34.5 weeks, which will be next Tuesday. Technically I’m only taking 12 weeks, but I am a teacher so thankfully Christmas break added some extra time after baby is born. I’m very thankful it’s working out this way though, because it’s been a tough pregnancy and I’m exhausted.

Answer

I always continue to work until I give birth. I’d rather have that time with the baby.

Answer

I worked up until the day I had both of my boys.
I am now a stay at home mom, so it’s different for this one.

Answer

I am starting maternity leave the day I give birth. I feel 100% good and able so personally I’d rather spend all 3 months with baby instead of without. Also staying active has made my pregnancy go so smooth.
I’m 33 weeks and I walk about 10,000 steps minimum and my dr told me continuously being active (if you aren’t flagged for preterm labor or have any restrictions) can help with an EASIER labor since ur being active!

Answer

I’m saving mine up for after the baby. I wanted to be on maternity leave through all the holidays. I’ll probably work up until the Monday before my induction. But I work from home and all I do is sit a computer all day so it doesn’t really matter. If I could afford it I’d get my doctor to sign off for sooner, I still have a lot to do 😅

Answer

I'm taking Mat Leave about 4 weeks before due date :)

Answer

if it were me i would work as long as i could bc when the baby does come you will want all the time you can get with the baby & going back to work sooner than later may be really hard.

Answer

I’m continuing to work up until I have baby or OB says I no longer can. I don’t do as much as before but I’m here to atleast help. If you’ve saved up for it and you’re ready go for it

Am I taking maternity leave too early?

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