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.
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Last Modified: 12/09/2007
Related Chat 1
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!
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