Pregnant and about to start new job, HELP!!! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Pregnant and about to start new job, HELP!!!

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 06:18

Hi ladies

I need some advice.

Husband and I have been ttc for 18 months and have experienced 3 miscarriages. We both agreed that we can't put our lives on hold but really want to start a family. I have recently got a new job, finish old one today and start with new company next week, depending on visa. However I'm a little worried about the medical. Will this flag to my employer that I'm pregnant? Will I fail the medical because of it? I remember from last time you get an X-ray for something, can I refuse that? So delighted to be pregnant again and praying it all turns out ok this time but excited for my new job and don't want them to ditch me.

Any advice is much appreciated x
<em>edited by Cosmogirl on 19/06/2014</em>

4423
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 14:42
I am also glad I told them, as turns out I am eligible for maternity insurance straight away, which is unusual, and they offered me maternity leave at half pay (was not expecting either!). Just reading the UAE labour law article 30 it states that if you have worked somewhere for less than 1 year, you are entitled to maternity pay with half pay. So that is pretty ace! And brilliant news on the full maternity insurance
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 13:14
I agree, honestly is the best policy. From my understanding of the labour law, you are not protected while you are pregnant, but you are protected after (ie, they can't fire you just for being a new mother). But it's tough to hide a pregnancy :) I was terminated at 3 months pregnant for 'performance reasons' within days of disclosing my pregnancy, but I already had another job offer and was planning to resign. I told my new company prior to signing my acceptance letter, and they were supportive and accepting. Their biggest concern was whether I would continue to work after the baby was born, as many mums in Dubai do not. I am also glad I told them, as turns out I am eligible for maternity insurance straight away, which is unusual, and they offered me maternity leave at half pay (was not expecting either!). I have found that 'personal reasons' and 'emergency leave' never stay secret, companies are nosy and don't follow privacy procedures as they might in other countries. Best of luck!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 09:09
Tell them straight away. It's going to be obvious soon enough. You never know they may be ok about it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 08:42
Hello ladies, I need your help! I have been here in dubai for a year looking for a suitable job and finally I found a one that fit me. I did my all interviews since my 3rd month pregnancy and finally I signed the job offer last week. I did not tell them that I am pregnant and they did not ask me. I should start the job after few days while I am 29 weeks, I asked them during my interviews to take 2 months off for some personal reasons and papers at my home country I should do but I did not mention that the reason is my pregnancy now I should start and my belly shows, I am afraid to tell them before starting as I am afraid to lose my job and also I am afraid to fire me during the probation period because i ll be a new mum with new responsibility as most of Middle east minds are thinking ! and also because I did not tell them any thing about this i do not know what I should do ! I really need the job and do not know how to manage can any one please advice I
142
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 00:11
So today was my first proper day in the new job and I managed to bite the bullet and tell my new boss my news. He was fine and said congrats and appreciated me letting him know. You can never really tell though he was probs raging inside. Anyway at least it's done and I can stop worrying about it xxx That's great news. Congrats! Now focus well on your new job assignments & progressing pregnancy without any reservations. All the best!
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 16:47
So today was my first proper day in the new job and I managed to bite the bullet and tell my new boss my news. He was fine and said congrats and appreciated me letting him know. You can never really tell though he was probs raging inside. Anyway at least it's done and I can stop worrying about it xxx
142
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 14:34
Thanks for all the advice ladies. I've decided to tell him on my first day and praying he's ok about it. Still waiting on my pre visa or whatever it is at the moment so hopefully start tomorrow or wed. He seems like a really nice guy so I'm hoping he'll be ok. Just hoping everything goes smoothly in this pregnancy and I don't feel so ill that I'm rubbish at my job. Previous pregnancies I've been so tired I've wanted to crawl under my desk and snooze by lunchtime and felt so sick. Anyway will let you all know how it goes xxx All the best!
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 07:35
Thanks for all the advice ladies. I've decided to tell him on my first day and praying he's ok about it. Still waiting on my pre visa or whatever it is at the moment so hopefully start tomorrow or wed. He seems like a really nice guy so I'm hoping he'll be ok. Just hoping everything goes smoothly in this pregnancy and I don't feel so ill that I'm rubbish at my job. Previous pregnancies I've been so tired I've wanted to crawl under my desk and snooze by lunchtime and felt so sick. Anyway will let you all know how it goes xxx
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 15:50
I was in the same position as you this year, however I'm on Dh's visa so I didn't need the medical. I found out I was pregnant the second week I started my job, I had to tell my employer as like everyone else, who's posted below, I believe honesty is the best policy. I was kindly released of my duties during the meeting. During your probation time an employer can let you go at any time with no reason. I was really devastated as it was a dream job. I have since found work with another company and told them I was pregnant during the interview and they were fine about it. You also have to check if you are entitled to any paid maternity leave if you have worked less then 12 months.
142
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 12:41
Thank you for the replies. Oh dear I feel so worried now!! How bad is it going into a new job on the first day and saying you're pregnant?!! Do you think they'll just tell me not to bother? When should I say before or after the medical? I'm literally only 4 weeks gone. x Many congratulations :) Everything will go smooth & in your favour. All you need to do is stay calm, don't panic, and on top, just be positive. I agree to the earlier posts that being honest and upfront about your situation ahead of joining will keep you off added pressure and anxiety (which isn't good for you anyways). So talk to you Manager asap and relieve yourself of this added strain. I'm pretty hopeful that the employers will understand your condition. Take care good care of your health. And don't worry too much. All will go fine :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 11:23
I would be inclined to contact them before you actually start and let them know your situation. I agree honest is the best policy Don't assume the worst and think they may not want you. Some not all employers may decide not to employ you as they may feel that you could be off due to illness/complications etc however not all think this way.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 11:15
I would be inclined to contact them before you actually start and let them know your situation.
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 11:10
Thank you for the replies. Oh dear I feel so worried now!! How bad is it going into a new job on the first day and saying you're pregnant?!! Do you think they'll just tell me not to bother? When should I say before or after the medical? I'm literally only 4 weeks gone. x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 09:10
Congrats on your news! Very exciting times ahead :-) Just been last week for my new residency medical and as you have to do an xray, you have to tell them you are pregnant in which case they do a pregnancy test to confirm you are telling the truth and this is reflected in the medical report which then needs to be submitted to your company. There is no way to avoid this and your report won't have the required Xray stamp on it so your company will know. The Dr in the clinic will talk to you and do the test straight away. (I am also pregnant so had to do this) You'd be better off just telling your boss - you'll be in probation anyway so once they find out it wont look good for you on a honestly level and they may find a way to fail your probation on the account that you were not honest. I know most employers would (and can) do this. edited by kareemab on 19/06/2014 <em>edited by kareemab on 19/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 08:28
Firstly congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope all goes well for you. With regards to your question, I believe that pregnancy tests are only done for housemaids, female drivers, babysitters, etc (so more in the domestic help sense). Therefore, I doubt that it will come up in a residency medical. Check out this link http://www.guide2dubai.com/info/medical-tests-rules.asp Having said that, wouldn't it make life easier for you to just tell your new manager up front? I know it's tough, but I'm one of those people that feels that it's better for everyone if you're just honest upfront. I know you don't want to jump the gun, but explain your situation and at least you will feel that you're going in with all your cards laid out on the table.
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 06:37
Yeah so I should probably add I've just done a test this morning and got a positive so I'm very early on x
 
 

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