How long before baby's due date did you stop working?

[Anonymous]

I was planning to work to my due date but he was early--born the day after my 37 week appointment. Fortunately I had just cleaned up my desk and had everything in place so my team would be fine without me.

My boss won the pool, she guessed I'd be early!

[Anonymous]

Went to work on a Monday, gave birth during lunch break, and was back at my desk in time for my 1 p.m. meeting.

[Anonymous]

I took 3 weeks off before my due date, and had a C-section at 39.5 weeks.

I'm so glad I took that time off because now that DB is here, it's crazy hectic (obviously).

I was definitely not bored during those 3 weeks. I caught up with friends, froze some meals (which have come in super handy) and did some other random things that I had been meaning to take care of but never got around to.

Like the PP said, you won't get to relax again for another 18 years. I know not everyone can take the time off, but if you're able to take a little time off, I say go for it.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your leave situation. I had 3 months maternity leave and did not want to waste it doing chores. My bos would not approve any vacation immediately before my leave and even denied a vacation request for me in early July when baby was due in August. So I did not have the option of using vacation time for time before baby. If you have some extra vacation time and won't miss it after baby is born, take some. I was induced on a Tuesday so I worked Monday and had baby Tuesday.

[Anonymous]

I worked on my due date, a Friday. I decided on Monday that I didn't feel so well so stayed home ... Baby came on Thursday after an induction Wednesday night. I was glad for the three days at home, I cleaned, organized my entire file cabinet, read sleep books, etc. (I certainly didn't have time or the energy for any of these tasks afterwards !!).

[Anonymous]

My son was born 3 days before his due date, and I'd planned to keep working right up until I went into labor. Did not want to lose the maternity leave sitting around waiting. I worked on a Tuesday, my water broke that night after dinner, and I had my son the next afternoon. It's good to give yourself a deadline by which you'll have everything handed over/ready to go regardless of your plan. I mostly did that, but there were a couple of loose ends, and I wished my desk were cleaner than it was before I left.

[Anonymous]

I worked all day Monday and had son before 10am on Tuesday (due date).