Experiences of starting a new job when pregnant or becoming pregnant shortly after?

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Hi all - I'm considering changing jobs, but am also ttcing at the moment - it's taking quite a long time so not sure how long it might be till (if) it works.

Assuming I do change jobs, but then get pg fairly soon, I imagine any new employer is not going to be too happy if I were to turn up newly pregnant, or get pregnant within a few months of joining. (Also of course I'd be very unlikely to qualify for any enhanced mat pay).

I wondered if anyone has had this experience - especially in a professional/City type job? How did the employer react? Has it harmed your prospects/relationship with them longer term?

thank you.

I got pregnant pretty soon after starting a new job (must have conceived the same week actually!) Employer said congratulations- didn't get smp, but got maternity allowance instead.

I'm going back end of February and it certainly hasn't effected my prospects - have just been invited to apply for a promotion.... fingers crossed.

Of course you know that employers aren't allowed to discriminate due to pregnancy, but I do wonder how it looks for Bosses - my boss is lovely, and I've proved myself to be dedicated and hardworking so I've been lucky. It really depends on your employer.

I was in this position, although I work in the NHS so slightly different. I got a job offer when I was 6 weeks pregnant and started in post at about 16 weeks, then had 6 months mat leave and returned full-time. I'm still there 8 years later and it's a senior management-type role so I don't think it held me back, but yes I did feel nervous/guilty about pitching up pregnant and then leaving after a few months. I had to return after 6 months for financial reasons, but wouldn't have felt like I could take much more leave anyway - I wanted to prove I wasn't flighty!

The NHS/public sector tends to new more understanding/PC anyway, but there's nothing to stop you looking for jobs while TTC/pregnant - good luck with both!

Oh and I was told years later that it was the office gossip for ages before I started there - and that was before they knew I'm a lesbian!

Thanks both, interesting to hear. Glad it hasn't held you back. Hmm, interesting what you say Dotty about not feeling you could take more than 6 months leave, I had wondered about that - and also about it being the office gossip, certainly suggests some people had some views about it! luckily you had something else for them to talk about instead

Yes, my boss didn't put me under any pressure at all re: how much leave I took - it all came from me but I felt like I had to get back asap to show my commitment. And yes, the office gossip was about how I'd shamelessly taken the job knowing I was pregnant and was therefore taking advantage - I think they thought I was going to bugger off for a year and then come back part-time... In fact I'm the only person before or since that's been on mat leave and not done that!