Sangy....
Maternity Leave as per Corporate Policy in most companies is for 84 days including weekends and any other National holidays. However, you may choose to take your maternity atleast 1.5 months prior to your EDD. For my first two babies, I took 2 weeks before my EDD, I delivered a week ahead for my 1st one and 4days prior to the EDD for my second one. In my third case, I travel a good 1hour to office and hence my boss was kind enough to let me take paid leave for 20days and I officially started my Maternity Leave from 15th of this month and I am due on October 8th. If your office is close by, then try and work as much as you can. It is good for you also....You need more of your valuable leave to be with the baby once he/she arrives. However, if you think the other way round, you may also want atleast a couple of weeks just for your self to gear up for the new arrival.
Vaidehi