Telling the boss you're pregnant

Telling the boss you're pregnant

When you've recovered from the joy/elation/shock that you’re pregnant, you may start to think about how to tell your boss.


These days pregnancy is no longer seen as a 'disability' and you can continue working right up until your baby is due. Even so, breaking the news to your boss can be a scary prospect, especially if you are one of the first women (or only woman) in your workplace to become pregnant. If any of you co-workers have children it might be a good idea to confide in them and ask what kind of reception their news was given.

 

Most women like to wait until they reach three months and the risk of miscarriage decreases. This way, if the worst-case scenario happens and you lose your baby, you won't have to face your office and tell them too. However, some women do need to reveal all before the three-month mark; perhaps because they’re experiencing morning sickness or work in a strenuous profession or with chemicals that could potentially harm their baby if inhaled.

 

When you’ve built up enough courage to tell your boss, don't feel you have to apologize for being pregnant. Every woman has the right to become pregnant whether it is at the beginning of their career or after they have worked somewhere for 10 years. The last thing to worry about is what people think and also of your position at work.

 

Most employers are sympathetic and some women even report being promoted or offered a new job in pregnancy – however, some bosses aren’t so understanding and may not make much effort to make your job easier. If you work for a company with 15 or more employees, it’s illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you’re pregnant; it’s also illegal to refuse to hire someone because she’s pregnant. In reality it can and does happen. Check up on your rights and how to deal with any problems by visiting the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (www.eeoc.gov). 

 

See our features maternity leave, telling work you are pregnant and? working while pregnant for more information.


The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

 1

gemmacal
Reply gemmacal 1 years ago
This article is great. I wish I had read it before I told my office I was pregnant. I told the biggest gossip (because she asked why my tummy stuck out) and by lunchtime the entire office knew. I wish i'd told my boss first who called me into his office and asked me to 'conform' the rumour! how embarrassing! It was all fine in the end but it definitely needs some thought beforehand!
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat. Login or Regsiter

Related Articles 24

Page 1-8
Working while pregnant

Work:

Working while pregnant

Being pregnant should not prevent you from working and developing your career, so get clued into your rights at work… Fair treatment The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects you from d . . .
Working from home

Work:

Working from home

Home working appeals to many parents, as it offers a degree of flexibility not available through most office-based jobs. Home working allows you to manage your own time to fit in work around your f . . .
Breastfeeding after your return to work

Work:

Breastfeeding after your return to work

 It’s definitely possible to continue breastfeeding after you return to work. Using a breast pump to express milk during the day is the key, and if you’re lucky you may have an employer who’s . . .
Page 1-8

Related Video 10

Page 1-4

Breathing techniques for labour and birth

A step by step guide to breathing techniques to assist you during labour.

Changing a disposable nappy

How to change a disposable diaper.

Bedtime Routines

Creating a relaxing environment and routine for your baby's bedtime.
Page 1-4