Pregnant after RPL and offered maternity cover role, what would you do?

[ThisOpalOtter]

I have just found out I am pregnant, we have suffered with RPL so are not getting excited. Still a long way to go.

I have also just been offered a new job, the role is Mat cover.

The role is with a company I have always wanted to work for, but I can’t help but think, what are my rights accepting a Mat Cover role when I myself am pregnant? I wouldn’t be eligible for any maternity pay and also may not have a role to go back to should this pregnancy work out. What if I have another miscarriage? My current work know my history and have been brilliant with doctors appointments etc… is that worth leaving?

I guess I just need honest advice here?

Do you get paid May leave with your current employer?

The risk seems to high for me. If you feel the same you could explain you are currently pregnant and not in a position to cover maternity leave but that you would love to be considered for any future role.

I wish you well for a successful pregnancy and birth.

Thank you both. @LittleGungHo yes my current role has paid maternity.

And @forthelasttim my husband suggested this too, be open with the hiring manager and explain it was unexpected.

If I knew 100% I wouldn’t have another miscarriage I would stay put in my current role, but obviously I don’t have that crystal ball. It’s such a hard call.

don't leave a solid job for 9 months cover. regardless of the pregnancy, what would your plan be in 9 months?

This is a really tricky situation. I’m pregnant after a miscarriage, so I understand your hesitation to assume the pregnancy will go to full term. I also stayed in a job I don’t enjoy cause of enhanced maternity pay, which made me resent work after my miscarriage, feeling trapped for financial reasons.

If you can afford to be on statutory pay, you’ll be entitled to the equivalent of this called statutory maternity allowance, I’d say go for the maternity cover role. You never know the person on maternity may decide not to return or return part time & there may be a long term opportunity for you

@thisismeithinkorisit I think as it’s a huge broadcast institution, the foot in the door would look great on my CV. In my industry it’s pretty common to have contract work so it doesn’t put me off - but I’m now pregnant - which changes things obviously.

@LPR16 yes, this is what I am worried about, if I stayed put and something happened and I didn’t take the opportunity I would feel so fed up.