I will be starting my masters research soon and looking for some advice on a particular matter. My husband and I are hoping to have a baby by the end of next year. The plan is that I finish my first year masters research whilst pregnant. Take a six month maternity leave the following september and start my phd once the leave is over. However i have a few questions:

The esrc funding guide states that:

''Studentships allocated on a 1+3 or 2+2 basis are expected to be held on a consecutive
basis. Any breaks between the Master’s and the PhD must be treated as suspensions,not
deferrals.''

From what I gather, does this mean that the break between my masters and phd will not be considered as maternity leave but rather suspension, thus will not receive any funding during this period.

I'm very confused and would appreciate some advice

Thanks