Thinking I'd go over (Mum and sister both went post-dates with all children, inductions etc), I initially put my leave in for 38 weeks. Got back from holidays at 32 weeks (I'm a teacher) and knew within a couple of days that I wouldn't make it to 38 weeks. Soooo puffy and tired. I brought my leave forward to 36 weeks. When bub dropped just before recess at 35 weeks I knew I had made the right decision. Waddled around the school for another week then sat under the aircon at home until I went into labour at 37+6... yes, had I worked to my original date I would have gone into labour AT SCHOOL. Doesn't bear thinking about.

This time... I don't know, I'm only working 3 days per week, but I'm doing a HT load on those days so much more responsibility and stress. Our award is good, I can take mat leave up to 9 weeks prior to EDD so I'll just see how I'm travelling.

Good luck with your decision making!