When to start maternity leave

Question

I’m debating whether to start my maternity leave at 37 or 38 weeks pregnant. I would be using sick time up until I deliver when it will switch to maternity leave. Any thoughts? If I go off at 37 weeks and the baby is a week late then I could be off for a month just sitting around waiting lol. But if I go off at 38 weeks and baby comes early I could have no time off before she gets here. Also I know by then I will be huge and uncomfortable and probably not want to work lol.

Answer

After baby is born

Answer

I worked up to the day of my water breaking. I left work at five, my water broke at 10pm and I was at the hospital! I have a desk job and it was no problem for me. My maternity leave isn't paid, so I used all of my built up eto to pay myself during leave!

Answer

Oh that's a tough call! If you have enough sick time and can take it at 37 I'd go for that! You can rest or do last minute things that need done. As long as taking off earlier doesn't take away from your time with baby when it's here I would go for it!

Answer

Something to consider—if you are using accumulated sick time, like your time rolls over year to year (I’m guessing that’s the case if you have 15+ days of it), you might want to save some because babies have a lot of doctor appointments and get sick their first year or two, so it’s nice to have some time “in the bank” when you need to take off for baby.

When to start maternity leave

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products