I'll be 35 weeks tomorrow...I am eligible for maternity leave for up to 6 weeks unpaid. I'm a teacher and school will be out 1 month after I am due. So I was planning to work up until my due date at 40 weeks and then just have the rest of the summer off. However, is it unrealisitc to work up until my due date? I know she could come sooner. Should I take off a week or so before my due date? Should I wait and play it by ear and see what the doc says as the date gets closer?

As long as you feel comfortable, I would probably play it by ear. See what the Dr says and go from there.

If you're still comfortable at work I wouldn't see why you can't be there. Is it hard on you at all physically? Many women will work right up until their due date so I'm sure if you really wanted to it would be fine. Like Samantha said, I would play it by ear and see what your doctor thinks.

It's not hard on my physically but it's hard on me stress wise...but I can handle it I suppose.

I think stress is just as bad as it being hard on you physically sometimes. You're entitled to your maternity leave so why not go for it?

hi there,

i know the way im feeling now i couldnt even imagine how id cope working up to my due date... so i applaud you!!

may i ask how come you only 6 weeks maternity i thought everyone was entitled to 39 weeks?

h x

Hey Hun. I worked up to 35 weeks but I probably could have stayed on longer. It depends how you feel. Maybe you could cut your hours a little - maybe do 3 days a week instead of 5 for example. Is this something that could be possible? Good luck x

im leaving at 35 weeks. i work in a nursery and am beginning to stuggle now.

everyone is different though so go with whats best for u xxx

Im the same as claire... but it all depends on how you feel in yourself. If you're feeling up to it then i don't see why you can't work so late on :-)

Good luck

xx

I am at 38 weeks now and still working. It keeps me busy so I dont pace the floor every day waiting for the baby. But since you have the summer off and you get paid for it anyways, why not take a little extra. I would.