Maternity Leave - when??

If I had of still been at work I was going to finish up at about 38 weeks, so Id have a couple of weeks at home to sort myself out before the monkeys arrival. Did work out liek that for me tho, I been home since Jan and Im goin insane with boredom lol

Yeah I finished at 35 weeks and then he was 10 days late - I was totally bored, but loved having that time as well...

I had originally planned on leaving at 36 weeks, but couldn't handle anymore... I had a desk job, but the concentration and working was proving too much like hard work... but I know many peopl work closer than that

I finished work 8 hours before Michaela arrived. The intention had been to have 5 days off but she had other ideas and I had to leave work midway through my last day.

I work in an office and didn't need to run around and I'm pleased I didn't take any longer off as it would have affected how much time I got with Michaela once she was born (as I only took 5 months off) but I did find the last 2 weeks difficult. I was ready to give up at 38 weeks but I was project team leader while my manager was in Fiji then when she returned the next week I thought what the heck, only 5 days left I may as well go the distance.

IMO you should finish at 36-37 weeks because as a team leader you're rushing around a bit and will be both physically and mentally exhausted by the end of each day.

I don't regret working till the last minute with Michaela but I'd be interested to know whether I would have been as exhausted during the first few weeks if I'd had some time off prior to having her.

I finished work at 36 weeks (teacher - wanted to hold out til the end of the school year) and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. If I was in a different type of job where I didn't feel so bad for leaving, I would have finished up alot earlier. It was a massive struggle towards the end - physically having to lumber about and mentally as well.

20 weeks for me.. for various reasons but otherwise i would have left 35 weeks.. preschool teaching not that great when you are heavily preg:)!

I'm finishing at 34 weeks (this Friday!) although I've had quite a bit of time off over the last two weeks due to my bp. I'm pretty ready to finish up now though, I really want to make sure I have some time for me and be as rested as possible before the baby arrives.

I finished study at 32 weeks (had no choice, that's when my degree ended lol) but would have finished at 36 weeks otherwise. I kept working my part-time job until 39 weeks, and only took the time off there because it was Xmas (and went back a few weeks after Jack was born)

It was great having time to myself, being able to nap whenever, do stuff we'd put off, go shopping, visiting etc. Trust me you want that time off! Life will never be like that again!

I finished a week before I was due (and Zaara was born on her due date). I also had a desk job and didnt have run around too much. However we had renovation at work and the only toilet availble was on the ground floor while we were on the 1st.....that was hard, simply becuase I had to keep going up and down the stairs every 20 min.

I cut down to 4 days at 28 weeks, and next week (34) will do 3 days. I will finish at 37 weeks, but my last 2 weeks will be 2 days/week. Am not 100% sure I'll make it to then (am supervisor in a healthcare service, mostly sitting down) cos of back pain and brain fog, but will give it a go! I didn't want to finish earlier b/c of $ and getting bored, but now I can't wait to not have to go to work! (Still worried about the $ though)

Thanks SO much for all the opinions guys!!

I am going to go with 36 weeks. I figure if there is a genuine medical reason I can always finish earlier but I don't want to be getting too bored.

I actually can't wait. I love work, but already am wondering if I am giving 100%...