Found I'm pregnant in my first week of a new job!

[Sk191]

Hi

Hope someone can help as I am worrying myself into a spiral. I have just started a job in a new sector and it's my dream job, however I've just found out this evening that I'm pregnant! The pregnancy is unexpected I have PCOS so was under investigation and about to be referred for more testing. I just feel like a bit of a fraud as they've offered me this great position and are a brilliant company, and in 9 months I'll be off. I'm not even out of my probation yet!

Genuinely I'm just panicking because I dont know how to tell my new employer, when to tell them, what to expect etc. I know you cant pick timing always on these things but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the news.

Has anyone had a similar experience or can help?

Firstly, congratulations! Timing may be a little less than ideal but overall it's great news! Sounds like it's what you want.

Yesterday I had to complete a course about equality and diversity and I found out that pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics, just like race, sex, sexuality etc. So it's actually illegal for an employer to discriminate against a pregnant woman. Anecdotally one of my cousins was pregnant at an interview even, and she still got the job!

You may not access the best maternity package e.g. at my work you need 2 years service to get the enhanced maternity pay. But the employer cannot discriminate against you. I advise you read your workplace maternity policy.

Hi, I've not been in the same situation but I do work in HR and I can honestly say this happens all the time. Don't worry about it. Particularly if this is a larger company.

You don't need to tell work for another while yet so you have a chance to make a great impression. Congrats on your pregnancy.

I was pregnant when I went for interview for my current job. I have been there over 9 years now.
Let yourself
Get used to the idea before you tell them. I can understand that you fee
Anxious about this but any good employer will be understanding.

I'm in the exact same boat, only I was there three weeks when I found out. My probation is 3 months and I should've had my review last week and I haven't ... I have my 12 week scan at the end of Jan and I'm praying to god I get my probation signed off in writing and I don't get a bump before I tell them. I'm hoping to get my probation signed off and give it a few weeks before I tell them ... I'll only get SMP but I to have PCOS and have been having tests and troubles so I'll take my baby over my job any day.

Thank you all for you advice!

I think its probably going to take a while to digest the news....but it's nice to know I'm protected legally and there are others in the same boat so it's not something that is completely unusual.

@summershine2204 hope that your probation review goes well and the scan! How exciting....I cant even think about scans and midwife appointments yet but I bet it's so exciting. And yep same with the baby or a job any day, genuinely I didnt think I'd ever be in this position without help

x

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

You won't be entitled to SMP (or enhanced maternity pay if your employer offers it) but you will be able to claim Maternity Allowance.

It's up to you when you tell your employer. I was in the same position as you, had just started a new job when I got pregnant, and I told them after my 12 week scan. But if you are feeling very unwell before that and/or if you need certain adjustments, you might need to tell them sooner. Your legal protection from discrimination only starts when you tell them you're pregnant (if they don't know you're pregnant they can't discriminate because of it) so it would probably be wise not to wait too long before telling them. There is a deadline for the latest you can tell them which I can't remember off the top of my head.

Lots of useful info on the Maternity Action website and also Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/rights-while-youre-pregnant-at-work/

Congrats on your pregnancy! I can understand your anxiety as I am in a similar boat myself.

I left my current job shortly after I found out I was pregnant and started my current one at 12 weeks (I’m 30 now). It is entirely up to you when you tell them. I disclosed my pregnancy status at my interview and I think the company appreciated my transparency. I’ve been able to go to antenatal appointments without anyone batting an eyelid. If you are feeling very ill with symptoms and need to take some sick days then I would recommend that you disclose. Pregnancy related sick days can’t be recorded on your sickness record and used against you. It’s also worth looking at a SMP calculator online to see if you are entitled to it. From memory I think you need to be employed for minimum a couple of weeks before you conceive to be entitled to it otherwise you’ll go straight to MA. Also check your company’s policy on any enhanced pay. There was no minimum time to be served for mine so I got lucky.

Best of luck and try not to worry. A good employer should be able to see the bigger picture. You are clearly passionate about the role which should be obvious to them. Just focus on delivering as much value as you can before you go on ML.