When to file for FMLA? (gearing up for TTC)

[nemrac917]

Okay, with both my and DH's ages slowly crawling up (31 and 38, currently) and likely being a 1+ years away from even starting to try, I've been wondering a few things.

I know I won't be FMLA eligible until I've been with a new employer for 12 months (will be starting a new job June or July 2011), and that I need to apply 30 days before starting the leave.

If I were to start TTC around December 2011/January 2012, that would have me about 6 months pregnant by that 12-month mark (if I conceived right away, which is doubtful, given family history).

Would this work with relation to filing for FMLA?

[CourtBChase]

Sounds like it should work as long as your baby is not a *very* early preemie. Also, you need to work for a large enough employer (I think 50 employees, but look it up, I could be wrong). I personally would probably be concerned about whether announcing a pregnancy so soon after starting a new job would be seen in a negative light (it shouldn't be, but in many places it might) and affect promotions and raises in the future (illegal, but impossible to prove, generally). FMLA is unpaid leave, so if you were pregnant prior to accepting a job offer, you could always negotiate unpaid leave after the birth (in writing!) as part of your offer. I would also look into health insurance- one of my previous health insurance carriers required you to be employed (and on the health plan) for a full year before maternity services would be covered.
Good luck!

[nemrac917]

Thank you!

Yes, the employer would definitely be large enough (hospital). I know they have a 6 month probation period, which I would be finished with before starting to try. And I will definitely make sure of the insurance provisions before we start trying.