I'm conflicted over when to start maternity leave. I'll be 39 weeks on Monday, and my OB's policy is write up short term disability starting at 38 weeks, but I decided (with their okay) to wait until my due date to start short term. Now I'm wavering on my decision to wait until 40 weeks and need some opinions on when to actually start (40 weeks, start of labor, or something in between!):
- I'm paid 100% for anything my doc considers short term disability up to 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, my job is no longer guaranteed (standard FMLA). There's generally a 30 day grace period, though, after the 12 weeks.
- OB will let me go until 42 weeks without induction or c-section. If I go two weeks late but started disability at 40 weeks and also have a complication, I might eat through the 12 weeks I'm allotted per year at once. If I were to have to go on short term for something else within a year, my job might be in jeopardy. I'm the breadwinner, plus OH's job doesn't provide health insurance, so quitting/losing my job aren't options.
- I'm totally over work emotionally due to a coworker. She has attendance issues that our boss knows about it, but due to a weird reporting structure, he is unable to reprimand her for attendance, and the person who can, won't (they are close friends outside of work). I'm the person who gets to pick up most of the work she doesn't. I'm resenting being there doing her work when I could technically be at home relaxing before LO comes.
- I was recently promoted six months earlier than I was told that I would be because my boss fought for it. I really don't want to screw him over by being gone too long.
Should I still plan to go at 40 weeks? Emotionally draining coworkers plus pregnancy hormones sometimes equals hiding in the restroom stall and crying a little. Physically I'm fine and if it weren't for this coworker, I'd work until I started a labor. That's still an option-- I just need some opinions on how to balance my sanity plus my allowed leave!!
Oh-- wishes for labor naturally starting the day before my due date are also welcome so that this would be a non-issue 
I understand awful co-workers, but you'll be on leave before you know it. I would just be cheerfully preparing work to give to her when you're gone (assuming she takes care of it in your absence like you do during hers!).
I took my time in the cafeteria getting breakfast and ate it at my desk while I checked email in the AM. Then I took a mid morning break where I'd walk to get a smoothie or coffee. Lunch, of course. I started making it a priority to get outside the office for lunch. Another afternoon break for a snack. Then left as early as I could without getting nasty looks! Like 5pm.
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