How the planner works
Two pieces of math: your leave starts weeks-before-due days before your due date, and you return to work total-weeks after that. If you take 12 weeks of leave starting 2 weeks before the due date, you return ~10 weeks after the baby arrives - or sooner if you deliver late, later if you deliver early.
If you want a more precise return date once your baby is here, just adjust by the gap between the due date and the actual birth date. Or feed the birth date into the due date calculator first to back out a corrected timeline.
Things to plan for
Before you start leave: HR paperwork submitted, a written handover doc, out-of-office set, and a back-up contact named. Around delivery: install the car seat, pack the hospital bag, and pre-line up childcare research for when you go back. During leave: confirm your return date in writing with your manager once you have one.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks before the due date should I start leave?
It varies. Many people start 1-2 weeks before; some keep working until labour starts, others stop 4-6 weeks early for medical reasons or comfort. Check what your country, employer, and care team recommend.
Does the calculator account for early or late delivery?
No - it works off your scheduled due date. If the baby comes early or late, adjust your return date by the difference. Many employers and policies let you flex the start of leave to the actual birth date.
Is this US-specific?
No. The math is just date arithmetic - it works wherever you are. We don't model country-specific paid-vs-unpaid splits; check your local rules for that.
These calculators give estimates based on cycle averages and standard formulas. They are for general information only and are not medical advice. For anything concerning your health or pregnancy, talk to a qualified healthcare provider.