How soon can you start maternity leave?

Question

How soon can you start maternity leave?

Answer 1

it depends on  your employer. many women can take it around 37 weeks without a doctor's note but before then you will have to have a medical reason for needing to be off work. i am going to work until the baby is born because i want to have all of the time i can to spend with the baby rather than just waiting and wasting time. 12 weeks isn't long enough!!

Answer 2

As soon as you need to.

If you have medical problems or you can't  do your work anymore the doctor could make a letter stating that you are unable to work.

Or if everything is OK I believe is 36 weeks.

Answer 3

You can start maternity I believe a couple weeks before your due date.  My advice though is to try to tough it out as long as you can, because you want the 6-12 weeks to be spent with your child.  The longer you get to stay on maternity leave with the baby, the more sleep you'll be able to get when it's time to go back, because most babies start sleeping through the night at 12 weeks.  

Answer 4

As soon as you are ready but different states and employers offer different incentives, programs etc so its best you look into those as well as consult with your dr so you know what is best for you and your baby good luck

Answer 5

I work up until the day I pop, and then go back 3 weeks later.

It's not normal, I know.

I run a daycare and I get to be with my babies, so why not go back ya know!