Maternity leave?

Ok so I estimate at the moment (just an estimate) that I'm approximately 6 weeks pregnat and I start my job on Wednesday. I'm wondering when/if I can still take my maternity leave when it comes time, when I should take maternity leave, how long i have for maternity leave and how that works in the UK.

In my experience if you are at your job less than a year before being 25 weeks pregnant, you are only entitled to statuatory maternity pay (which is usually six weeks at 90% of your pay, with a further 26 weeks SMP (which I think is £123 a week) and as is the law here (I believe, I am no expert) they have to hold your job or a similar job for a year. But (I know this is the case at my company) if you are at your job for over 52 weeks at your 25th week of pregnancy, you may be entitled for more maternity benefits. Because of your relative newness at the job, you might not be entitled to their full benefits. Best to check your contract, all that info should be in there. Good luck! (again, I am no expert, this is just what I believe is true and I think is true for me at my company)

To know exactly what you're entitled to you may want to contact your HR department.  You can place your enquiry and either let them know you're pregnant or not - the choice is yours until your 25th week of pregnancy (when you legally need to inform them of pregnancy for maternity / paternity leave).  That's something to discuss with your fiance on the pros and cons on that.

For more information on Maternity leave and pay you can look at the Direct.gov.uk website for more general information.  But like I mentioned speaking to your HR department will spell out exactly what you're entitled to and how they'll compensate from your (I'm assuming Hospital) employer.

Good luck!

Similar timing for me, I was about a month pregnant when I started my current job.

Check direct.gov.uk for certain but I believe this will make you not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (paid by your employer) you would get Maternity Allowance (same amount but comes from Job Centre) instead.  Nine months of leave is paid but you are entitled to take a year off work.  I started mine March 20 with a due date of May 7 but I think any time from 11 weeks before due date is the rule.