Pregnant and about to start new job!

[rubbersoul]

Hi everyone,

I've just found out I'm pregnant a happy little surprise which me and DH are happy about. However, we had planned to start trying for a baby next year as I start a new job in 2 weeks time... I had the interview mid july and according to my dates I would have conceived in August, so wasn't pregnant at the interview.

I feel really bad... it's only early days in my pregnancy (just missed my period) but if all goes well I'm guessing I would tell them in November?

Has anyone been in a similar position? I know I didn't do it 'deliberately' but I feel awful just thinking about telling my employer. The job's in a school by the way, non teaching position.

Also, does anyone know the test period for maternity allowance for this year?

Thanks

I had exactly the same thing. I was 10 weeks PG when I started my new job (after a long recruitment process though).

I was very up front and told them as soon as I started (especially as I needed 2 days off the following week for midwife and scan appointments). They were great about it, which was a relief, but I think it also helped telling them straight away. I was fortunate that I didn't suffer with MS or anything, so have managed to work well throughout the pregnancy. It would be more of a struggle to prove yourself in a new job if you're throwing up every 5 minutes!! I made it clear from the beginning that I plan to take 6 months off and then return, and they seem happy with that.

Also, because of my timing, I only qualify for maternity allowance, but check out direct.gov for the test period info. You never know, your new job might have great maternity benefits!

Oh, and congratulations!!

Thanks Jenko! I'm glad your work were so good about it and congrats to you!

I did consider telling them straight away, being honest and explaining the situation but I've been advised by a couple of family members to keep quiet for a few weeks so not sure! I haven't had my contract yet (which is fairly normal in schools) so I'm not sure about probation times etc... I can't remember any of this from my last job. It's a permanent contract, not a temporary one, so I'm hoping that may help

Hey,

I found out I was pregnant the week which I started my new job but decided to wait until the 12 week scan to tell them. I was v nervous about telling them but they were REALLY good about it, even though I'm still on a 6 month probation. I've been able to take time off for ante-natal classes, medical appointment etc (all of which I think they have to do by law anyway). I'd probably recommend telling your employer as soon as you feel comfortable with - they'll respect you for it in the long run.

I think the test period for maternity allowance is if you've worked 26 weeks in the last 62 - I just missed out on statutory so will have to go for that - but figure as statutory is taxed and maternity allowance not I won't be that much worse off in the long run.

Good luck!

I think a lot of it is down to how you're feeling too. If you're not being sick, then it's easier to hide the pregnancy for longer, but if you're throwing up all the time it's better to be up front about it so that they know you're not just being crap IYKWIM.

It might be worth having some idea of how much mat leave you want before you tell them too, and (roughly) when you plan on leaving & returning so that they know how it will effect them. I think most people are happy about other people's pregnancies, so I'm sure they'll be fine about it (or at least, they won't risk upsetting a hormonal woman!!).

Thanks for the replies guys- you've made me feel better!

I'll see how it goes over the next couple of weeks and when I start- I think I would rather tell them sooner rather than later as I'm awful at keeping things secret and it will probabaly feel like a weight around my shoulders!

May also be getting morning sickness- feel queasy at the mo but no actual sickness yet...