New job + pregnancy

[HayleyHaystack]

Hi all, strange one this.

I’m in between jobs and have been since late summer. We continued TTC as at 35 with no children and a previous MC, it became more important.

Anyway I now find myself over 9 weeks pregnant and my job search has continued (I had savings to see me through this unemployed stage, so I’m not totally irresponsible but I had a very stressful previous job that was making me ill).

There is now a role that it appears I’m being seriously considered for, and it’s an ideal role for me. They are likely to want to take this further to a next stage interview.

Honestly I feel like I’m living a lie and if I receive an offer I feel like I cannot stay quiet as it is likely to be in Jan and my 12 week scan is just before Xmas.

I have had 2 scans so far as my pregnancy is progressing well which is of course my priority but it’s making this situation I’m in very real.

Has anyone ever been in this situation before?
I’ve been working hard all this time, I cannot actually believe the position I’ve found myself in.

Or I just accept and then a month later say ‘oh by the way, I’m heading off for mat leave in June. Soz.’

That seems totally dishonest.

Appreciate any advice!

If you think it will effect the outcome of your interview I wouldn’t tell them, by law you don’t have to tell them until 15 weeks before your due date!!

Not been in this situation.

Gut feeling would be to get the job, start, work out maternity T&Cs/probation etc and then have an honest conversation with management. By that point you'd also have a better idea if the place is for you or not post mat leave. Also check when you get the official maternity form from the GP/MW - I don't think you have to tell anyone anything until then.

You have both been so helpful, thank you! Really appreciate the replies.

I started my new job when I was 4+5, so really early. When I told them at 14ish they were really understanding and happy for me. Everyone has to work, and surely from their perspective it's better to have someone for 6 months or not at all. Try not to worry and let it dampen your excitement! Good luck 🙂

I think you just go for it actually and tell them as and when you need to. You don't know what will happen at the scan and it seems too good an opportunity to pass up. If you're the right person for the job it shouldn't matter that you will need maternity leave, that's the point of discrimination legislation.

Thank you Pixi & Costa. Exactly - we just don’t know what the 12 weeker will bring anyway and not working is stressful enough. I will take this unanimous advice and go for it. Appreciate the replies!