starting new job when 2-3 months pregnant?

[didwedotherightthing]

I had an interview today for a role that would be a ??7k a year pay rise and generally better terms and conditions. It's in a similar field to what I currently work in and is also part-time, which I want, though is an extra 3 hrs a week on what I work now. It's also office-based (a 20-30 min drive from home), as opposed to home-based, as I am currently.

I found out last week, just days after putting in the application, that I am pregnant, barely 4 weeks. I've lost two pregnancies in less than a year and so it hasn't really registered with me, beyond worrying. I just really hope this pregnancy goes the course. Depending on what I could negotiate my notice period down to, I'd start teh new job, if I get it, when I'm 2-3 months pregnant. If I'm offered the job, I plan to get the offer in writing and tell them that I'm pregnant if I accept it. That seems the best thing to do?

So, IF I'm offered the job (I won't know until tomorrow), should I take it? My concerns are:

• I'm worried about starting a new role and having to pass a probationary period while pregnant. What if I didn't get confirmed in post? What if I have a difficult pregnancy etc?
• DC1 has only just moved to a new nursery which fits with my current role But the new role has slightly longer hours which won't work for that nursery so he'd have to change again, unless my new employer agreed extra flexibility.
• Not knowing what the new organisation will be like. My current employer is pretty relaxed, I have about enough work and am rarely snowed under, I have autonomy and I have a good work-life balance (get to exercise before work on the days that DH drops DC1 off at nursery, pop a load of washing out to dry if it's fine, work in my PJs some days!). (It does feel a bit pedestrian at times though and I'm paid below my previous jobs and experience.)

The positives are:

• the possible new job is still only 3 days a week
• the possible new salary would be a lot more.

In terms of mat pay, I only get SMP at my current place and would miss out on the enhanced mat pay that the new places offers, and would get mat allowance instead. Mat allowance works out about ??1k less than the SMP from my current employer over the year I'd have off (all being well!).

What would you do?

bump

This has come up before, and I accept that I'm in the minority, but personally I would speak to new employer BEFORE accepting the job and lay your cards on the table. It seems duplicitous to accept, knowing that you'll be going off for a year or so and they'll have to recruit again.

I know they can't rescind the offer if you accept then tell them you're pregnant, but it doesn't start your working relationship off well.

Hello thanks for posting this as I'm in a similar position. I have got a new job today but want to start trying for a baby in October after my sisters wedding therefore I could be starting the job pregnant. However I really want this job and obviously with conception no one knows how long it could take so I'll go for the job. Isn't a pain that men don't have these issues? I would take the job and tell them when your 12 weeks or later if you want. If you've only just found out they should not expect you to tell them.

If I do fall pregnant quickly then I will just tell them and hope I'm allowed part time when I return I suppose! Also this job requires a nearly year long course to be completed so I would have to fit it round any pregnancy and baby. In short I don't think you are the first woman this has ever happened to if that helps xx

Is working in an office and changing nursery worth ??7k?

I didn't get the job so it wasn't a decision I had to make in the end. Phew! Thanks for your replies though.