How soon is too soon to start TTC in a new job?

[WhereverElse2019]

Hi all. Posted this in the Work forum too but it doesn't seem to get much traffic.

I started a new job in January this year under a temporary contract, via an agency. I was offered and accepted a permanent contract in September this year. Doing the exact same job, working with the same people etc but just with the added security of a permanent contract.

DH and I are hoping to start TTC soon but don't know if it's too soon work wise? I already qualify for the enhanced maternity pay so no worries on that score. I'm just worried about being seen as a bit of a cheek! My job is pretty niche/specialised so it would be hard to find cover and take months to train them. My colleagues could pick up the slack but we're already very busy so I worry they'll become resentful of the extra workload.

I'll be 29 next year so still quite young. Due to the nature of my work, if I did conceive I would need to inform management of my pregnancy pretty much ASAP.

I do really enjoy my job, get on well with my colleagues, and don't want to cause any bad feeling. It's a very large company so legally I know I'd be protected. I don't know if I'm just overthinking this! 🤣

Honestly I wouldn’t worry too much about it, if it’s going to be difficult to find cover for your role now then it won’t be any less difficult in a years time. As long as you are eligible for the pay & especially in a big company I would just make the decision based on what is best for you & your family. My job is similar, hard to find appropriate cover as it’s specialist and takes a lot of training & knowledge to be competent so it’s not as easy as just picking someone and them starting the next day in my place, and we are also really busy, but we’re always busy, it’s always going to be a specialist role, I’m on maternity leave now and all fine x

Thank you, this is reassuring!

I would go for it. I fell pregnant on the first week at a new role almost 5 years ago. 2 miscarriages meant I didn't go on maternity leave until 17 months later.

I wish you every good thing for a healthy pregnancy, but you don't know how long it will take to either conceive or carry to term, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

You must do what's best for you x

I would check your contract, how long before you get mat pay etc and then see if you can afford it.

I have checked and I already qualify for enhanced maternity pay (they use the same eligibility criteria as they do for SMP).

Thank you. So sorry for your losses.