When to start TTC after starting new job?

Whentotry · 2024-01-09T12:11:47+00:00

I am 30 years old, will be 31 in august and we don’t have any DC yet. I have been desperate to have a baby for a few years now but held off until we were in a good place. Although there will never be a perfect time, now seems about as good as any. We own a house, have been together 6 years and married 1 year. Both work full time jobs, combined salary is good. Only thing stopping us from TTC right now is that I only just started a new job in October and I don’t get maternity pay until I’ve been there 12 months. I know that technically we could start next month but how long is wise to wait? Would it not be wise to fall pregnant 5 or 6 months into a new job, or does it not matter? thanks 😊

Outliers · 09/01/2024 13:18

Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) certainly makes a difference, especially in the conext of a cost of living crisis. I would suggest looking at your employer's matrnity policy to establish the earliest time you can conceive to be eligible.

For example, I change jobs (contractually) April 23. By September when my DC started to seem like a reasonable toddler I felt ready to TTC baby #2, which all facilitate a decent 2year age gap (my preference). However my employer's policy stipulates that by 15weeks before due date I should have worked for a year. So ultimately timed my conception (and fortunately it worked) for a couple months later when I'd be eligble. [I initally wrote a long spiel but realised you didn't need my life story].

Of course some employers may allow flex around a week or two. But my manager is a bitch and would never pass on an opportunity to make my life hard. Also factor into the possibility that due date is based on measurements, so it can be brought forward or pushed back, the latter being more convenient when it's a close call.

JoyOdell123 · 09/01/2024 13:25

When is your probation over? I would wait for my permanent contract first!

Original poster

Whentotry · 09/01/2024 13:57

@JoyOdell123 it will be up in march. Yes actually that is a good point

OP posts:

Original poster

Whentotry · 09/01/2024 13:58

Outliers · 09/01/2024 13:18

Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) certainly makes a difference, especially in the conext of a cost of living crisis. I would suggest looking at your employer's matrnity policy to establish the earliest time you can conceive to be eligible.

For example, I change jobs (contractually) April 23. By September when my DC started to seem like a reasonable toddler I felt ready to TTC baby #2, which all facilitate a decent 2year age gap (my preference). However my employer's policy stipulates that by 15weeks before due date I should have worked for a year. So ultimately timed my conception (and fortunately it worked) for a couple months later when I'd be eligble. [I initally wrote a long spiel but realised you didn't need my life story].

Of course some employers may allow flex around a week or two. But my manager is a bitch and would never pass on an opportunity to make my life hard. Also factor into the possibility that due date is based on measurements, so it can be brought forward or pushed back, the latter being more convenient when it's a close call.

Thank you for such a detailed reply. I will check this!

OP posts:

JoyOdell123 · 09/01/2024 14:01

@Whentotry definitelt wait until probation passed. While legally an employer can’t get rid of you for being pregnant it does happen. Also, you don’t know what kind of pregnancy you might have.