Pregnant and currently on mat leave

[Freckles978]

I'm currently on maternity leave, and I am pregnant.

I love my job, and used to be very career focused, but once I had my first baby, my partner and I decided to have another one. I've calculated that once I go back to work, I will only be back for about 6 months.

I know I have to tell them 15 weeks before my due date. But should I tell them beforehand? Should I tell them before I go back? Will they be looking at me strangely?

From you prespective there is no reason to tell them early.

From your employer's perspective it's best to know in advance so they can retain maternity cover.

I personally would tell them ASAP, or as close to 12 week point as possible, from your dates this is about the time you would be returning. As PP said they may be able to keep mat cover on or similar.

Honestly, they may be slightly pissed off with you coming back for such a short time and then going off again, but you are perfectly entitled to do it. Your colleagues may also feel the same.