Going back to work pregnant? Is it acceptable?

[sillysow]

Hi all - this may seem a wierd post. I am currently at home on Mat Leave with DC1. We always wanted 2 children ideally close together - 18mths would be ideal. In which case this would mean returning to work pregnant. Part of me keeps thinking that it seems a little unfair on the employer - although they have to be fair had many hassle free years out of me.

I take it they cannot be descrimatory towards me for doing this?

No, you get the same Maternity leave etc regardless. Happens a lot.

Not here, no siree, I was back at work for ...ohh, six weeks before I got pregnant with DC#2

If you are 29 weeks pregnant by the time your 52 weeks are up you can do the 2 mat leaves consecutively withoout going back at all.

One of DD2's class teachers has returned from all of her maternity leaves pregnant with the next one - she has had 4 babies in 4 years

I went back from mat leave with ds1 5 months pg with ds2. I'm sure my employer wasn't thrilled although it does mean I'm now back 'for good' rather than being back for a year or two then off again.

My only word of warning is that I've found it really odd going back as it feels like I've been out of my workplace for ages and I'm catching up on lots. I have loved having the ds's so close though - now considering dc3.......

Thank you very much for all your kind and reassuring replies.....will crack on with ttc in the next couple of months then

You are likely to be entitled to the full maternity leave but if money is important to you, check whether you are entitled to your employers enhanced maternity allowance package. Some employers give statutory only if you go back pregnant. Also the maternity pay calculation is based on pay received in approx months 5 and 6 (do check the exact details here, if these happened to coincide with maternity leave months for which you do not receive any pay - you could possibly end up with less maternity pay than you would otherwise do.

"Some employers give statutory only if you go back pregnant." that would be discriminatory and illegal

My sil went back to work for about 6 weeks before starting her maternity leave for the next baby, she didn't face any problems.