Anyone else feel like it feels forever until they go on mat leave and wish they gave an earlier date?

I’m not going on maternity leave till baby is here I will have 2 weeks off then I’m back at work xx

@Bethany I wasn’t going to but my work said I need to go latest 38 weeks, I’ve got loads of annual leave to use though too. How comes your back so soon, your should be entitled to longer off and paid x

33 weeks and I am only going on mat leave in 5 weeks!!! 😭😭😭😭

I thought as I work at a desk I’d be better saving my leave for after the baby is born. So I’m working until 39weeks - 6.5 weeks to go. I’m working at home and I still find it knackering, with house and dog and trying to eat healthy etc. I’ve put in for a few random days off just to sleep. It’s hard! Can you change it? Put in leave to ease the pressure off you a little?

@Barbara I’ll be nearly 38 when I go too, it feels like a lifetime away lol :/

@Jenny oh no bless you! It is so tiring isn’t it and you don’t realise it until you get to these stages. I was going to do 39 weeks too, but then I’ve got 2 other kids and it’s the summer hols and didn’t want to leave it even longer and then straight have a baby, as they are also older so it’s gonna be a shock. Wanted to get in a week or 2 with them before. I’m saving my annual leave to add onto next year to get next summer off hols off aswell before I go back. If I don’t go back sooner lol. I’ve got so many things coming up before hand with my sons bday end of July, my daughter leaving primary and residential and a BD not involved. Hard work trying to keep ontop of working 5 days, the house, the car ,kids, preparing for a baby, feel soooo tired lol! I’ll feel like a cop out asking for a week earlier though lol xx

You are a complete rockstar! That’s amazing what you are doing. Please don’t feel like it’s a cop out, think of it as more quality time with your two older kids. Doesn’t sound like you will get much rest! But takes one thing off your plate. Again I’m in awe of you!

I’m 33+3 and have another 4.5 weeks left. I felt fine to keep going but then this heat is a killa! Also have a desk job and am attempting to work from home today because I can then get some bits done at home between meetings etc, but I feel I’ll be drawn into the air conned office before the day is out! 🥵

I've decided to change my start date for mat leave. I was meant to go at 38 weeks now I'll be 34 (with some annual leave to take so maternity leave will start at 36), I was battling with myself to keep going so I would have more time when baby is here but had to give in and listen to my body! I was crying every single day and exhausted from pregnancy insomnia. Do what feels right for you 😊🤍

I was planning to go to 38 weeks as that’s the end of term but really struggling. 34 weeks and had to take another day off this week because im in pain. Being on my feet all day isn’t helping but I really don’t think I can afford to go off any earlier. Will have to see what the next couple of weeks brings, if I have any pregnancy related illness in the 4 weeks before my due date they’ll make me start it early anyway 🤦🏾‍♀️

I’m going on maternity leave 5 days before I’m due 😂

if u feel like u cant handle it, absolutely start it sooner!!! this is my last weekend in (im a carer who often does 15 hours on their feet so that sounds like music to my ears rn!!) then have 5 days after that segmented by some annual leave. ill be 36 weeks when i officially go off !! yhe way i see it baby has the potential to show up whenever now!! and i absolutely dont wanna push myself any further in case i have a day to myself and then go into labour. u just need to do what feels best for u xx

Same here, said I’d work to 39 weeks, 4 weeks to go, I’m struggling. Too late to go earlier though isn’t it now? As you need to give 30 days notice? I do have annual leave but not sure if it will be approved if I want to take it before

@Lisa definitely worth a conversation - most reasonable employers would be happy to adjust for you. If baby came early they wouldn’t get 30 day notice!

Also @Lisa @Lisa, they can put you on maternity from 36 weeks with no notice. So… they can be flexible.

Oh brilliant, thanks both

I’m not going off till 37 weeks (am almost 31) am likely to call in sick next week 😂😂 this will also give me some time to rest and do the chores I can’t do when I’ve got my toddler! work smarter, not harder 😂😂