First Pregnancies with Nov/Dec Due dates :)

[Emma198]

New thread ladies, first one nearly full ☺

Random one but I can't get my head around mat pay at all. My employer offers 6 weeks @ 90% and then 12 weeks @ 50% then it's SMP. But do you get SMP during the 6 & 12 weeks as well? I'm confused but just trying to work out a plan (more like how much I can waste) x

@greengooner yes you will get the SMP from the moment you go on mat leave and I believe you're entitled to it for 39 weeks. My employer is really good with mat leave, we get the same 90% then 50% but we then get 20% paid for the remainder of the 52 weeks.

Thanks @ellsbells90 so I'll get SMP plus 90% of my wage for 6 weeks? I'm happy with that. Yours sounds like a good package, mine is standard Local Authority so I think that's as best as it gets!

I don't think you get the SMP rate plus your salary %

Government minimum is a total of 39 weeks of which 6 weeks is at 90% salary then the remaining 33% at SMP (£140ish a week?)

Sounds like your employer is pretty generous, so you'll get 90% salary for 6 weeks, 50% for 12 weeks then SMP for the remaining 21 weeks.

I get the bog standard govt minimum because why would my multi billion pound corporate employer give their 95% female work force any more?!

33 weeks not % - typing and dog walking doesn't work apparently

Oh no! I've heard a few conflicting things now. Either way I just want a breakdown of what I'll get so I can work out how much time off I can realistically afford. This seems like too much to ask from HR though 🙄

Yeah, your HR department will explain as every company is different. SMP is provided by the GOV. What your employer chooses to give you on top of that is down to them and their policy. Therefore, I would believe that you will get SMP along with anything they provide? I know I do as I have had my est. quotas given to me already. (on the basis I give birth)

I work for a global pharma company to which I chose solely for their great mat leave package.

Sorry I got my wires crossed on my last post, my company provide an OMP which is what I described below. There are acronyms coming out my arse in this place!!

I guess the best answer is ask your HR haha... and ignore me.

Thanks for all the input. I'll just have to wait it out and see what they say. Mine is also OMP but goodness knows. I read an article the other day that as a country, we have the 2nd worse maternity packages available. It's not even the minimum wage apparently.

FINALLY made it to a spinning class. Not started yet so trying to think of every excuse to sneak out and go sit in the cafe with a nice cake...

Wow some of you are getting really organised! Not bought a bean yet but only 14 weeks. OH wants to wait till 30 weeks, I've spotted a baby show at the end of September so think we might hold out for that and hopefully pick up some bargains. Also been offered a second hand cot, wardrobe and chest of draws which will save a bit, just need to get a new cot matress I think?

Also is anyone thinking of doing a babymoon? We're hoping to go to Greece when I'll be 26 weeks, just hoping I won't be too big and it won't be too hot!

@ND348 what babyshow is that? I can't find any xx

There are a few around the country I think....
babyandtoddlershow.co.uk/manchester/

I’m 14 + 2 due December 5th and currently unemployed, just moved in with dp’s parents for now (he’s working).

We’re looking to move soon and hopefully both get new jobs. I’ve recently graduated and I’m just looking for something to tide me over until the baby’s born. Anyone know what it’s like to try and get a job while pregnant? What do you reckon my chances are? I’m not hopeful. I feel so out of my depth and anxious about finding somewhere to live and for dp to find a better job. I’m honestly reaching the point where I can’t enjoy being pregnant anymore because of the worry. I just want to feel settled, I don’t feel like I can buy anything yet because it’ll all have to be moved! I’m worried that nothing will be sorted by the time baby arrives. I’ve just realised how broke we are, though very lucky to have excited grandparents who said they’ll buy the pram etc. Meanwhile, I’ve felt too ashamed by all of this to tell anyone in my own family, even my own mother.

@ellsbells90 I thought I put a picture up. We got the 4d sneak peek free at our gender scan. Basically tempting you to go back for a proper 4d. 😊 I prefer private scans to nhs, just personal opinion as I didn’t have a great experience with my nhs one.

I think we will go for a 4D one at around 30 weeks x

Hi @Angharad07 I'm no expert but I believe that an employer can't not hire you because you're pregnant. Could you perhaps contact an agency in your desired field to see what's available? Maybe look for an appointment with the CAB to see what benefits you are entitled to in the meantime and to apply for maternity allowance. Best of luck x

Marking my place. Just back from 4 days in Brussels. Now 15+3 and have a little bump that grows to a big bump by the end of the day 😂

Ahhh I'd love to have a bump but at 15+2 mine is still just my fat 😂

I don't know if I'm kidding myself but I think I can feel some kind of bubbling movements going on. I'm confused though... at my private scan, I was told I have an anterior placenta. At my NHS scan this wasn't mentioned. I've looked through my notes but no mention of it...

@Angharad07 an employer can't discriminate against you on the grounds of pregnancy but it doesn't mean they won't find another reason not to take you on. Don't let that stop you applying though, there are honest and genuine employers out there.

In the meantime, I'd suggest looking at temp agency work and/or seasonal work depending on where you live.

Literally just took a test and found out I’m pregnant! Honestly happened straight away after taking the copper coil out, and I didn’t even have a period after removal...just bam...pregnant. I’m in total shock but also have felt a few signs the last few weeks, so yes, happy to be part of the club wahoo 🙈🙈🙈 ps.first post, first pregnancy, totally scared and excited!

@Mouselove mine also grows as the day goes on 😁

I think I've got sciatica. Pain in my back, bum and down the back of my leg 😭😭

Hey ladies! Haven’t posted in a little while. I had my 12 week scan (was actually 13 weeks) my due date is 5th of December now. I look pregnant, got a little bump. My little bear was moving so much at the scan. ❤️ I feel totally smitten and so glad i made the choice even tho I never planned on being a single mum. How’s everyone tonight? I’ve just got back from a friends 50th. Wicked time didn’t even miss the boozelaughed and danced loads.

@Poppylizzyrose you have stamina! If I make it to 9pm these days I’m doing well 😂.
We had our 12 week scan last week it’s the most amazing feeling watching your little one move around on the screen and really strange to not feel it either!

Lol it’s not every night I can stay up that late, it happened at friends wedding too. I think bear can feel me laughing and likes it. I could be wrong but I always manage to stay up and awake and feeling great at these big events. I was smiling all night until a little farmer c word started on me about the Dad 🙄 but luckily I was leaving anyway! Tough being pregnant surrounded by married well off farmer types....I’m not the first locally tho, so I cling onto that. It’s amazing seeing your baby move, my little bear kept wiggling her/her bum at me. One gross thing I will mention 😳 I was gassy. I did a few of these foul like out of this world bad smells! I just kept leaving the scene of the crime and their was enough big men around to take the fall. I kept seeing people actually holding their noses! 🙈🙈

Got a consignment of maternity clothes arriving today. Can we please say a prayer (and maybe make a small sacrifice to the gods) that they fit?