Hello girls,

Is anyone working? I am working as a programmer and do not need much physical stress in my job. I would like to take opinion on how to plan my maternity leave. I will be having only 10 weeks leave here and my due date according to LMP is 9th while according to scan is 19th. I am so confused as to when should I start my leave so that I can get maximum days with the baby? As such I don't have any physical problem yet (touch wood)

Do post your msg. Thanks.

Sakhi Ro replied. Hi
Sakhi, thanks for the advise on back pain. Have started walking more and the pain is dulled down now.
I am due in the last week of OCt and planning to take off only at the very end despite the back pains and the tired feeling I have. Think its necessary to spend more time after the baby is born. If need be i am planning to extend on loss of pay coz its a question of choice at the end work or baby and latter is important right!!!!
Take care till then
Ro nivea replied. Hi sakhi,

Planning ur maternity leave in advance is a good thing. Just like u , even here in the Gulf we are permitted only 45 days of maternity leave !! I know its a ridulously short period of time..but thats the way it is. Its just a matter of priorities eventually--work or baby!

since everything is fine so far with you, it seems wise that U apply for maternity leave at the date which is nearest to the due date. Just liek u , I'm also working and I've applied for leave from the 20 th of Oct.

As Jyotsna said,,it doesnt make sense to sit at home earlier. post delivery is when u need to spend maximum time with the baby. So try and conserve all your leave for after the birth !

And yu know what, I too have a desk job and 8 hours of sitting seems like sheer torture for me. Especially with this varicose veins problems. So now I'm thinking of talking to my manager , to permit me to work half day ; every day !! I hope he agrees on compassionate grounds. Else I guess i will just let go of the job ! !!What do u think I should do girls??

Please advise
Nivea jyotsna replied. hi sakhi,
i understand your predicament.I was working when i had my 1st kid but had to travel to my mom's place for the delivery so i took a month off prior to the due date.On hindsight,it was a mistake as i lost out on valuable time after the baby was born.
Certain aspects u must take into account:Many friends i know work till the last day unless medically advised not to.As long as your job doesnt involve long hours/physical activity in terms of traveling and standing etc and u are able to feel relaxed,eat on time etc while working,one can work.It actually prevents you from worrying too much.
Once you enter the 35th week,you can check with your gynaec as well as to what she would advise.
Another aspect is the maternity leave is most needed after the baby is born.Your breastfeeding the baby/bonding with the baby takes up all the time.I had 3 months of maternity leave and the 1st month was wasted due to my travel to mom's place.The rest of the 2 months--god knows where they flew.I had to take leave then on loss of pay for a few months.
Your taking leave will depend on your health,your gynaec's advice and your company rules.
so check it out and then decide.
take care