IVF and Work

[Hatitat88]

Hi all. After some advice if possible.

I'm about to start my first round if IVF in the next few days. Just waiting for my period and then I start injections. I'm currently looking for a new job, I decided to leave mine due to a toxic culture and the travel was too far. I have a couple of worries. Firstly, the IVF process is going to take a few weeks, i'm worried about how I can juggle the appointments if I get an offer. Secondly, if I do get pregnant first go, I would feel really guilty telling a new employer that i'm pregnant after just a few months, also still being in a probation period. Am I overthinking this?

Personally, if possible I would stay put for now. I was eager to change jobs 2 years ago but glad I stayed now. I required numerous rounds of IVF each of which required initial consultation appointments, scan dates, time off for collection and transfers. As I have been with my company so long I knew I’d be able to take the time off as and when needed, I’m not sure any new job would be that flexible/accommodating especially within the first few weeks/months.
Also, I’m sure you have to be employed with a company for 6 months maybe 12 months to get maternity pay but I might be wrong on that one.

@Hatitat88 - just beat in mind that it might take a while. It might not necessarily work out after your first attempt.

As @SH998 said I did decide to stay put at where I am while going through it. Frustrating because I feel I put my life on hold trying towards something that might never happen but I'm glad I didn't have added stress of new job.

I think if your current job is really toxic and making you miserable leave but otherwise stay put if you can

Thank you for your message. I should have been more clear in my original post. I have already left my role two weeks ago.

@Hatitat88 - oh ok. I can work from home some days and work is fairly flexible so mange to fit everything in ok. I do have to work extra hours though to cover what's required. Just tell them it's medical procedure when you need time off. You will be fine. It's not ideal but better than working in toxic environment

@Hatitat88 you don't need to tell an employer what the appointments are bar from stating it is medical but if possible you may want to keep scan appts outside of working hours if it is logistically possible. But be prepared that IVF egg collection process is quite full on and has been described as having a full time job on top of a full time job-namely because of the scans, consultations, Embryology updates and then finally the transfer.

@Hatitat88 as for maternity pay you would need to have 41 weeks (10 months) service by your due date; there are 42 weeks in a pregnancy. So you need to be employed for 1 month before being pregnant...if my calculations are correct. Bear in mind too that is for statutory maternity pay, company maternity pay may have different terms but not all companies offered enhanced maternity pay