I was just wondering if any ladies have or are planning on getting pregnant whilst on maternity leave as me and OH are planning on trying again (as long as everything goes ok) after this baby as we dont want a big gap. But im not sure how it affects my job??? xx

This happened to a friend of mine. she returned to work following her mat leave and was pregnant again, cant remember how far along she was.
She was able to go off on mat leave again and it did not affect her job at all. Hope this helps.

I'm hoping to do this too, although this one took it's time. If you don't go back inbetween it will mean no smp as it's based on your last 8 weeks earnings before you go on maternity leave, but there is something you get instead but I can't remember what - sorry!

Hi, this happened to me with my first 2 babies...

I found out I was pregnant with Bess whilst on maternity leave with Ruby. I think I had about 3 months left before I was due to go back.

We were intending a small gap but it took us a little by surprise, it took us over 18 months to fall with Ruby, 1 op etc... but they do say 2nd can come along quickly after giving birth!!

I contacted my HR office who advised me, that because you accrue holiday whilst on maternity leave, I had enough holiday to take me from the end of 1 maternity to the beginning of the next.

I was a part time worker through all this so was only entitled to the statutory amount but I continued to get this for the next 9 months with little Bess!

Call that good timing or what!

Hope it helps a little but unfortunatley it will depend on timing, just that little bit too late may mean you have to return between maternity leaves... but as far as I am aware, in my situation anyway, it didn't effect my job, I had the option to return back to work after Bess' maternity leave, I just chose not to....

I'm intending on trying again in late autumn/early winter time and I'm due back Oct 19th, so if i were to go back pregnant I would still get my six weeks maternity pay from my employers because I've had continued employment with them. Maternity leaves means you are still entitled to everything, but I'm just not sure how it would affect SMP, if i'd be entitled or not. I'll be interested in reading this thread to see if anyone knows how you stand regarding SMP having babies so close together. xx

Hi hun, i got pregnant again while on materniy leave, i have just returned to work after taking 10 months off and i am 26 weeks with my new baby, i applied for my new maternity leave last week as was quite worried, already i have received confirmation and been granted another 10 months, my boss has been very supportive, i think as long as you return to work even for just a short period. ( i am back only 5 weeks. ho i had annual leave from 14th december to 18th january) and taking materniy leave on 1st march, then you are entitled to a new smp with your new pregnancy! best of luck xxxx