maternity leave

[Tryingforbaby2]

My work has been driving me crazy with the question of, "When are you going on maternity leave?" I honestly have no idea. I have been just taking it one week at a time and seeing how long I last. I am a teacher but I teach year round so my contract ends June 30th and renews July 1st. I was trying to go to the end of my contract since I am due June 25th and who knows if the baby will be late. Is this normal or do most people tell work they are going on maternity leave before signs of labor? I just assumed it was normal to work until labor then take time off afterwards. I don't want to use all my vacation days in hopes that I don't have to go too long without a paycheck. So, my question is.... when do most of you go on maternity leave??? Thanks ladies!

[Tryingforbaby2]

Sounds like this can be different for everyone. Thanks ladies that replied. I think I am just going to stick it out as long as I can. I am only dialated to 1 but cervix is soft, thin and shortened so I guess I will see what my appointment says next Tuesday :)

[Beccabb]

I was off work 6 weeks before I even started maternity leave but I acctually started it 2 weeks before my induction date

[Aliciaw]

I worked right up until the day I had my son. Everyone kept asking me the same thing and i would reply i am working until i have him. I didn't want to use up all my days before he came, I wanted to have as much time home with him as possible.