Hi

I live in Spain and here we are entitled to 16 weeks leave in total (before & after).

I know this is much less than the UK but I would like to know how much time people are taking before their due date.

I am due on the 25th of December and we finish for the hols on the 22nd. (only 3 days before- and i could be earliy!!)

I am a teacher (year 3) and I have only been back to work for 3 days and already finding it exhausting. My class room in in the dungeon and have to go up 4 flights of stairs about 15-20 times a day. Not to mention the class I've got this year don't allow me to grab a seat for more than 30 seconds!(little darlings!)

I've ranted on, but basically - when should I finish? When is everyone else planning to? Whats normal and healthy?

I'd really appreciate feed-back

Anne-marie and baby boy bump XXX

hi im 18 weeks now and im due on the 11th of feb im finishing work at the end of nov as soon as i can as i had a difficult pregnancy before and i want to rest as much as possible i think its all down to you really when you finish just see how it all goes and enjoy

I think that if you only have 16 weeks leave I would try and leave it as late as possible but saying that I understand how you feel. I work in a behaviour unit at a local comprehensive and although I only went back to work after the summer holidays this week I feel utterly exhausted!!! I am due 5th December and am planning on leaving 29th October so I've got around 5 weeks (or less if I am early) to chill out and get ready for the birth. However if things continue the way they are I will ready to leave in a week let alone in 6.

I do think it's a personal choice and a lot does depend on how long you're entitled to take off, but really you should listen to your body because if you try to do too much for too long you'll be too tired to enjoy the time off you have got.

Take care
Aimee and boy bump

xxxx

Hi there,

I'm due 21st Jan and plan on finishing just before Christmas (21st Dec). It just makes sense to really...it's like a natural break, i'm using up my annual leave and not starting my maternity pay until my due date!
I think if my due date was December 25th I'd want to finish around the 11th at the latest, give yourself at least 2 weeks especially in a job like yours.
Just my opinion...others might think different!
Best of luck!
Ruth

Hi

I am due 15th Jan so am planning to finish at Christmas - we finish 21st so I will have 3 weeks hopefully!

I have a friend who is intending to work til her due date! But that is as all her family have been late she is hoping toi follow the trend.

With only 16 weeks leave I would wait until as late as you can.

Thanks for your comments,

I think I may have to consider finishing at beginning of December- maybe take I month unpaid leave after, to make up for it, as going back to work when he's only 3 months seems horrible now, nevermind when it comes to the day I've got to leave him.

Anne-marie and baby boy bump XX