On Tuesday I finished work for maternity. A massive 398 days off! 13 months! Amazing! I’m so excited to be writing my maternity leave post to say it: hello maternity leave!
Hello Maternity Leave: My Plans and Feelings
Let’s face it, though, I’d had it pretty easy over the last few months (but I was still excited for my maternity leave). I’d been working from home since March 2020, as pregnant women were put in the at-risk group, and I found out I was pregnant at the same time as lockdown started. My job involves a lot of travelling and seeing a lot of different people in different places, so I was glad to be able to keep myself safe, even though it made me feel guilty about not being able to do all parts of my job.
I’ve mostly been doing admin and data analysis type work for my manager. Thankfully, it gave me the flexibility to spend the day in bed (or week) when my morning sickness was bad and catch up when I felt well enough. And boy, I have spent a lot of time in bed during this pregnancy! Especially in the first 15 weeks.
My manager has been great about it, he knows I’ve had a difficult pregnancy and I’ve not felt pressured at all. I don’t know how people work during pregnancy. I mean, I recognise that all pregnancies are different – some women have few to none symptoms, whereas others are really ill during the whole thing. I would have had a lot of time off sick had I not been working from home because there were lots of days I could not move and I basically turned nocturnal for a while there.
Despite this, I am still so glad to be finished to be able to put work out of my mind. No more teams calls, no more being on-call on a weekend, no more checking my emails! I have 6 weeks to my due date and I’m going to try and enjoy the last bit of time I have left without having a baby to look after.
Things I’m going to do:
- Continue working out 3 times a week
- Continue with the piano (I’m still having lessons)
- Get back into blogging – aiming for 3 times a week!
- Do some cleaning daily rather than all on a weekend.
- Finish washing the rest of the baby clothes etc.
- Get my hospital bags ready.
- Relax and rest when my body needs it!
We really are on countdown now with 6 weeks to go, so I can enjoy my mat leave until then!
Looking Back: What I Wish I’d Known (2026 Reflections)
Now that my son is five years old, I can look back at my maternity leave plans with a bit of a smile. Here’s what actually happened versus what I planned: What went to plan:
- I did finish washing all the baby clothes (though my baby outgrew half of them without wearing them)
- Hospital bags got packed (and repacked three times)
- I definitely rested – more than I expected in those final weeks
What didn’t go to plan:
- Blogging three times a week? Ha! I managed maybe three times in total before Leo arrived
- Working out three times a week became “walking to the kitchen counts as exercise”
- The daily cleaning routine lasted about four days
- Piano practice fell by the wayside as I got more tired and uncomfortable
What I wish I’d done instead:
- Slept more – I thought I was resting enough, but nothing prepares you for newborn sleep deprivation
- Batch-cooked and froze more meals
- Watched more films and read more books
- Worried less about having everything perfect
- Enjoyed the quiet more
If you’re reading this while on maternity leave waiting for your baby, my advice is simple: rest more than you think you need to, lower your expectations, and don’t feel guilty about doing nothing. Those Netflix days are precious!
The Reality of Maternity Leave During Pregnancy
Starting maternity leave six weeks before my due date felt like the right choice. I was exhausted from pregnancy, especially after such bad morning sickness in the first trimester. Working from home during lockdown had been a lifesaver, but I was ready to stop completely. Those six weeks before my baby arrived were a strange mix of:
- Excitement and anticipation
- Worry about labour and whether I’d be a good mum
- Frustration with my body as I got bigger and more uncomfortable
- Boredom mixed with this weird pressure to “make the most” of my time
- Exhaustion – I’d forgotten how tiring pregnancy is even when you’re not working
Looking back, I put too much pressure on myself to be productive during those weeks. Society tells us to “make the most” of our pre-baby time, but actually, just resting and adjusting to the idea of becoming a parent is enough.
Working During Pregnancy
My Experience Working from home during my pregnancy in 2020 was both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, I could work from bed on bad days, avoid a commute, and take breaks when I needed them. On the other hand, the boundaries between work and rest became blurred. My manager was brilliant, which made all the difference.
If you’re pregnant and working, having a supportive manager who understands what you’re going through is so important. I felt lucky that I could be honest about how I was feeling without fear of judgment. For anyone wondering when to start maternity leave, there’s no right answer. Some women work right up until birth, others start leave earlier. I chose six weeks before my due date and it worked for me, but trust your body and your circumstances.
Final Thoughts: Hello Maternity Leave, Hello Motherhood
Looking back at this post from 2020, I remember how excited and nervous I was. Starting maternity leave felt like the beginning of a massive adventure – which it absolutely was.
My biggest takeaway? Be kind to yourself. Whether you’re productive or spend the whole time on the sofa, you’re doing it right. Those weeks before baby arrives are precious, and however you spend them is perfect.
And to anyone reading this who’s just starting their maternity leave: hello maternity leave! Enjoy this time, rest when you need to, and know that whatever happens, you’ll figure it out. I certainly did.
If you’re interested in more of my pregnancy and baby journey, check out my posts on what’s in my hospital bag and making money during maternity leave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Maternity Leave
When should I start maternity leave?
In the UK, you can start maternity leave from 11 weeks before your due date at the earliest. Most women start between 2-4 weeks before, but it’s entirely up to you based on how you’re feeling and your work situation. I started six weeks before and felt it was the right choice for me.
What should I do during maternity leave before baby arrives?
Rest more than you think you need to! Practical tasks like washing baby clothes, packing hospital bags, and batch cooking are useful, but don’t put pressure on yourself to be constantly productive. Reading, watching films, and just relaxing are equally valuable.
How long is maternity leave in the UK?
In the UK, you’re entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave (Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay). I took 13 months (398 days) which gave me plenty of time to adjust to being a new mum.
Can you work from home while pregnant?
Yes, many employers offer flexible working or working from home for pregnant employees, especially if you’re considered at-risk. During the 2020 pandemic, pregnant women were advised to work from home where possible.
What if I have a difficult pregnancy and can’t work?
If you’re too unwell to work during pregnancy, you can take sick leave. Speak to your doctor and your employer about your options. Pregnancy-related sickness is protected under employment law.
Should I feel guilty about starting maternity leave early?
Absolutely not! Pregnancy is exhausting and if you can afford to start leave earlier, do it. Your body is growing a human – that’s work enough. I started at 34 weeks pregnant and have no regrets.
What happens if baby comes early?
Your maternity leave automatically starts the day after you give birth if baby arrives before you planned to start leave. Your employer should be flexible about this.
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You look great! What an adorable bump! it’s nice you’ve been able to work so flexibly with everything, and that you will get some time to relax before baby’s arrival – definitely needed! I worked up to 37 weeks with both bubs and it was SO tiring!
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂