Maternity Leave - feel selfish

laurasbump

I just want to say thanks to you all for your answers. They've been really helpful and helped me make the decision to bring leave forward by a fortnight to 38 weeks. I'm still working however my very understanding boss lets me finish when I need to and work from home once or twice a week. Unless anything 'happens' I can live with this.

I'm not sure how long I'll last. I think that the baby's head has engaged over the last week (abdominal pressure, period-type pain) and I've started getting contractions that last a couple of hours and then stop. When I started getting them on Friday morning while sat at my desk, I did think, I can't do this anymore. I got a bit panicky because I have so much to finish off.

I'm using next week to tie up all loose ends and not start anything new. That way if something happens I can continue without feeling guilty about leaving my staff in the lurch.

I just want baby to stay put for another week, get to 37 weeks and not be labelled premature. I know that he'll be a decent weight anyhow - I had a growth scan 2 weeks ago which estimated a 6lb baby so by now he'll around 7lb! Eek!

A very excited and soon to be momma,

Laura x

izoomzoom

Laura

I haven't read all the replies properly, but wanted to point out that your employer can force you to start maternity leave if you take any sick days from the time you reach 36 weeks - so in a way you have a 'easy leave option' if you find you get can't make it to the time you stated.

Whatever you decide I am sure your employer will not be unreasonable.