I'm 28 weeks and trying to plan. Should I take leave early to rest or work as long as possible to have more time after baby arrives?
Under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, in India you are entitled to 26 weeks of paid leave (for the first 2 children) and at least 8 weeks must be taken after delivery. So you can start leave up to 18 weeks before delivery. Most working moms recommend starting 2–4 weeks before the due date — this gives you rest time, hospital registration, final preparations, and a buffer for early delivery. Working until 38 weeks is also completely fine if you're healthy and comfortable. Do whatever protects your energy and mental health most.
I worked until 37 weeks and wished I'd stopped at 35. The commute, meetings, and being 'on' emotionally were exhausting in the final month. With my second pregnancy I stopped at 35 weeks, used those 2 extra weeks to sleep, cook and freeze meals, and set up the nursery. The post-birth phase with a newborn and recovering body is much harder when you go in already depleted.
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