17 weeks and work are starting the recruitment process

[Jeni1986]

Hi

Need your advice, I am 17 weeks pregnant and having suffered a miscarriage in the past and I am worried my baby is ok.

My work have started looking at filling my job and I am not due to leave work until February - I don't feel happy about this as I think it is too soon, what if everything is not ok.

By the time of my 20 week scan they will already have someone appointed for when am I leave.

Does anyone see my point or am I just a hormonal/paranoid mess??

All advice appreciated.

It's a hard one to judge really. It could be that they are recruiting now so training can be provided in time for the handover. I was seconded into a maternity role when the girl was 20 weeks pregnant. It's fair to say it worked well for both of us, especially as she got more tired, I was continuing to take more of the role off her. When she went off on maternity leave with greatly reduced stress levels.

I'm really sorry to hear that you've had a miscariage in the past, so it's understandable why you're anxious. However I would say, this could work out positively for you, in terms of stress levels etc.

You're not a paranoid mess by the way!

Dont forget that between now and February there is the disruption of christmas, which is a time when people dont tend to apply for jobs as much as they are too busy with the build up and a lot wait until the new year to decide on career change, by which time you will be just about to start leave.

I start my leave on Friday this week and my replacement didnt stay so there's no-one taking over currently so perhaps they dont want to be in that situation.

Lastly, I'm sure all will go ok but it is nervewracking waiting during those earlier weeks to know if all is ok and you do worry about everything so I can see your point but try not to stress about it, just keep positive about your growing baby and look forward to your 20 week scan.

I"m due in January, finishing at Christmas, and we've already sorted my mat leave cover. I think it's a good think - minimal disruption, longer handover, and will make sure it's a smooth transition. Mind you I know the person who's covering for me very well so I'm happy with it.

Forgot to add, that if they get someone in new, rather than within the same company then its likely they will be given a start date of something like November (and they may have to give notice where they are) so you wont necessarily be starting any hand over until you are further along.

Thanks for the advice :) Suppose it will give me peace of mind going off knowing someone is in my job and as you say less stress.

Once I get the 20 week scan over me, I will hopefully feel more at ease.

They are going to fill the post internally and I guess there is a danger that they wont recruit anyone.

I have the opposite problem - I am due to start maternity leave in 9 days time and a replacement/ cover still hasn't been found! I told my boss at 8 weeks pregnant (due to terrible morning sickness, we share an office so it was obvious really). It is getting really stressful worrying about not having a proper handover or who is going to do my job. Interviews for my cover are being held 7 days before I go off! Argh..

It's hard when you are worried yourself and don't want anything to 'jinx' your pregnancy but from your companies point of view very sensible, and hopefully will minimise your stress levels as you are able to handover smoothly.

And also - congratulations!

i can understand your worry, but i think its a good thing. i'm currently 14 + 4 and my job has been paged this week already. i work for a massive company and they simply need to have these things sorted asap. plus, so many times companied get caught out as pregnant ladies sometimes leave sooner thatn expected so they need someone in place. it means the hand over process can be as smooth as possible and more importantly as you get bigger/tired you can hand over more and more. just because they are starting the process doesnt mean your cover will be by your side as of next week, might just be that once they have appointed you'll hear nothing else till nearer the time? honestly, i think its a great thing, lets you concentrate on you and baby!!!!
xxx