Babies/family Planning

Unfortunately, I was with a company that expressed concern that I might have children. They didn't know that at the time my husband and I were trying for a baby, but they assumed because I had recently gotten married. I lost that job in May because of Covid, but they expressed their concern a few weeks prior so I think that was another deciding fact for them to let me go. I became pregnant in July so although I still haven't found a new job I think losing my job with them is actually better because I don't think they would've handle my pregnancy professionally. I can also tell you that I've had some companies express concern about hiring me during Covid while pregnant.

EDIT: I’m in California where we get paid maternity leave.

For me personally, I would wait at least 12 months after starting a new job before TTC so as to be able to fully ascertain if I like the job / if the commute is reasonable / if I can balance the job after having a baby etc. If you are planning to go back to work after having a baby, you want to be sure you’re going back to a job you actually like. That, and some companies have a requirement that you work for X months/years before being eligible for maternity benefits. Good luck!

Leave varies a lot by companies as others have mentioned. Under federal law, if the company is covered by FMLA, you need to work about a year so qualify for FMLA (unpaid leave). The rules are a little technical, but it's about a year before eligibility. However, some states have family leave laws that provide some leave earlier. It is illegal for an employer to fire you for being pregnant. The employer should not ask you any questions about being married or whether you plan to have children during an interview. I personally never volunteer this type of information. On a personal level, DH and I waited a full year to start TTC. I think it's important to get used to the company, the culture, get a feel for the work, etc., and I wanted to be well-established at my firm (I'm a lawyer).