Hi lovelies,
I’m a teacher and go back to school this week (actually looking forward to it to keep mind occupied). I’m going to have to make a decision soon on when to start mat leave so the head can start interviews for my cover. Our due date is the 5th Jan but I’m wondering if he’ll come early? What are people’s experiences of FET births?
Thank you,
Gem xx
I had a similar concern and had a chat with my obgyn and she did not mention anything about ivf get babies being early. She did assess my situation and my health and said she would be happy once I had crossed 37 weeks and any time after that is safe for the baby and me. You may want to check with your doc or mid wife about that so it will give you an idea of when to start maternity.
I have had that chat and my manager is ok with it and I have planned maternity from jan 20. Expecting jan 27. If it happens early I will just use my pending leave for the year.
That’s super helpful! Thank you xx
I’ve had two IVF FET babies, first was three days early but I was induced due to reduced movements. Second one was 7 days late and went into labour naturally. There is definitely nothing to say IVF babies come earlier than normal. I’ve got a few friends who’ve had babies after IVF as well and they’ve all been overdue x
Ok perfect - guess I’m working to Christmas then!
I’m due the day after you - I’m not sure about whether FET babies come early but I did read if you want to work beyond four weeks before your EDD you need a doctor’s note that you’re still fit. I’ve been taking that as a reason to aim for a last day at work of 2 December!
Oooh I didn’t know that - thank you!
I've put my last day of work as my due date. It was 11th December. The school was fine with it and they employed somebody a half term before that. However, nothing ever goes according to plan, I had to call in two weeks earlier, 26th November that I will not be in and I gave birth on 28th! School was fine with that. They always have back up plans.
Fab - thank you for replying! Xx
Hi lovely, i don’t believe IVF babies are more likely to come early as they say baby will come when baby is ready and in some cases need a little nudge as they get too comfy in there 😂I was lucky as I worked from home so worked till the week before I was due BUT I got so tired! Even washing up I had to lean on the sink! Also it’s nice to have a little bit of time before baby is here to feel you have everything ready and get some rest in yourself. All the best xxx
Ok fab, we break up on the 9th Dec so shall I put then down even though due date is 5th Jan?
If I were you I would put my due date down, then you're getting paid for holidays too. Not sure if you're in the UK, but that's how it works here. If you give birth earlier, that's when your maternity will start.
Yes I’m the uk - I’ll put that down then xx
And thank you so much! Xx
Hi, my babies are due early because I’m having twins but nothing was said about FET impacting that.
It might be worth putting the first day back after Xmas break as your first day of Mat. That gives you pay over the holidays and hopefully a bit of time to rest.
Also, check if they’ve sent you the policy. There might be guidance in that about starting leave. Either way if you are due in January the smart thing for them to do would be take someone on and hand over your timetable.
I’m only going back in for September so I don’t have a timetable. I will never have had so much planning and preparation time in my entire career as I will this September!
I’ve also been told that it means any appointments, leave because of other issues won’t impact cover for them or me and really will make it much easier for everyone all around.
Good luck.
Ok perfect - I will investigate this week - thank you! Xx
Hey I’m a teacher too and planned to work as late as possible ! My first pregnancy my waters broke at 30 weeks so I was signed off and was induced at 36 weeks. My second my 35 growth scanned showed little growth so they induced me within 2 days so again 36 weeks . I was 38 and 41 so possibly my age that had an impact. Suppose I’m saying you can’t really plan ! School will have to have something in place I’m sure and would just get supple worst case x x
Had FET baby in March and I went on maternity 3 weeks before I was due. Baby was 5 days late but some consultants like to induce on due date with IVF pregnancies. X
My little one was FET and she took her sweet time - 11 days late!
Hi hunI work in a school and would advise taking maternity from the first day you are due back after Christmas. That way you technically finish at Christmas when school closes but get paid until Jan.
Not fully sure how it works (I'm not a teacher) but my friend, who is, put in for shared parental leave instead of maternity leave. It meant she could 'go back to work' during 3 of the school holidays so was paid for not working. Obviously people who aren't teachers can add holiday onto the end of their mat leave, which you won't be able to do. Definitely something to look into x
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