taking mat leave early ? uk?

If you can, I'd work as late as possible! Talking from experience, taking maternity leave early and sitting around at home waiting for your baby to arrive is boring as hell. You'd be far better taking your maternity leave as late was possible so you have more time with your baby at the other end. Time with your baby is so precious - particularly if you intend to go back to work. You'll never get that time back again. I had a planned c-section at 38 weeks so I left work when I was 36 weeks. If I had my chance again, I would have worked right up until the day before my c-section so I had an extra two weeks off once my baby was born! I was so bored at home before my baby was born and it made me feel worse becasue I had no distractions.

Im due next week on the 14th Feb. I finished work on the 10th January and I had 3 weeks holiday left making my mat leave offically start on the 30th January. I am just having 9 months of bcos thats all i get paid for therefore due back on the 30th Oct. In a way I wish i had worked up until the 30th Jan and used the 3 weeks holiday in Oct giving me more time off with my baby as iv been sooo bored just dossing around the house while my bf is at work all day.

However Iv had an extremely lucky pregnancy and only suffered with heartburn (touch wood), everything else has been a doddle and not been ill at all. But if you are suffering and already had significant time off work then its probably best you take it asap. However most employers require that you give at least 4 wks notice meaning you may be pushing it if you want your last 'working' day to be the 24th. Just speak to your manager/HR department and they'll be able to discuss your options. xx

Yes i was in a simialr position, i was due on 29th July but broke up middle of June as i used 4 weeks holiday. You just have to weigh up your options as the earlier you take your MAT leave the sooner you have to go back. I have decided to take a full year off so due to go back in June this year, any sooner and i dont think i would have been ready. Only you can decide but i suggest work up until you can really so you get to spend more time with you baby :) Good Luck with everything x

I didn't leave work until the day before I gave birth. I was actually in slow labour on my last day & working on my feet. I really think if you can tough it out you should. It gives you more time with baby afterwards. Besides you'll have too much time to sit and worry when you are at home with no work to do.

In the end though it is up to you.