As the birth mother, YOU, not your employer, decide when your leave should begin. You can start it as early as 17 weeks before your due date or on the day you give birth. If you also intend to take parental leave, you must do so immediately after your pregnancy leave ends. An exception is made to this rule if your baby requires hospitalization right after birth. In this case, you can return to work after your pregnancy leave; your parental leave can begin when your baby comes home. This must take place within 52 weeks of the birth. If you are the other parent, your parental leave can begin no later than 52 weeks after the day the child was born or came into the your custody, care and control for the first time.