Should You Disclose Your Pregnancy During an Interview? Here’s What to Consider

If you’re interviewing for a new job while pregnant, there’s a good chance you’ve asked yourself the dreaded question: “Should I disclose my pregnancy in a job interview?”

It’s a tough call—and unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But what is clear is this: You have rights, and employers have responsibilities. 

Let’s walk through what the law says, what real HR pros advise, and how to act in different scenarios (like when you’re six-months pregnant and showing) with confidence, strategy, and self-respect.

First, can an employer ask if you are pregnant in an interview?

So, do you have to disclose pregnancy at a job interview? Nope. Absolutely not. If the recruiter asks if you're pregnant, they’re crossing a line. But of course, that doesn’t stop it from happening. 

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it’s illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. That includes asking whether you’re pregnant during the hiring process, whether directly or through “friendly” small talk.

It's best to keep that info to yourself. “Say nothing until it’s necessary,” says Sharon DeLay, a senior certified HR professional and owner of GO-HR, a Columbus, OH-based HR consulting firm. “Answer only the questions you asked and focus on your skills and experience.” Why? 

• Pregnancy is unpredictable. Sadly, a lot can happen early on, and disclosing too early can add unnecessary pressure.

• The company’s situation could change. You might not even want the job after the interview process.

• Unconscious bias is real. Even well-meaning employers may (illegally) pass on a great candidate due to assumptions about leave, performance, or long-term commitment.

What counts as pregnancy discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job candidate unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This includes denying a job, promotion, or benefits because you're pregnant, or even because the employer assumes you might become pregnant (which, for women, can mean simply existing).

What if you're showing? Here's how to disclose pregnancy during an interview

Let’s say you’re visibly pregnant—maybe even interviewing while six-months pregnant or in your third trimester. At this point, it’s a lot harder to avoid the obvious. So, should you disclose pregnancy during an interview if it's obvious? DeLay says this is a great opportunity to proactively show that you’re thinking ahead. 

She recommends saying something like:

Obviously I’m pregnant, and I’m sure that presents a concern for you as I would be out for delivery and post-pregnancy. To help alleviate any concerns, I would have a plan in place to eliminate disruption as much as possible. For the rest of my pregnancy, all my doctor’s appointments are scheduled for first thing in the morning or end of day, and my priority, in addition to learning the job, is to quickly identify how my absence once the baby is born has the least impact on this role and the company.

“This shows awareness, critical thinking, and a willingness to work with the employer,” DeLay says. Let’s be real—no company hires someone hoping to lose them in a few months. But by addressing the issue with professionalism and a plan, you can turn a potential concern into a show of leadership.

“Can I lose a job because of pregnancy?”

Legally, no. In practice? It’s complicated.

Pregnancy discrimination is illegal, but it can be hard to prove if a company simply ghosts you or gives vague feedback like “not the right fit.” That’s why many women choose not to disclose pregnancy during a job interview, even when it feels like hiding something.

Here’s the key takeaway: You don’t owe anyone your personal health information before you’re ready to share it. 

What about disclosing pregnancy after a job offer?

So you landed the job—congrats! Now comes the next big question: Should you disclose your pregnancy after receiving the offer? And if so, when?

Here’s the short version: You’re still not legally obligated to say anything about your pregnancy, even after the offer comes through. But depending on where you are in your pregnancy, your comfort level, and your starting timeline, you might choose to share sooner rather than later. And if you do, there’s a smart way to go about it.

• If you're early in your pregnancy: You might choose to wait until after you’ve officially accepted and started the role—especially if you're not showing and you're still getting a feel for the company culture. That’s completely OK. You deserve a little time to settle in and build relationships. There’s no hard rule here—just go with what feels right for you.

• If you're further along (second or third trimester): Timing can matter more, especially if your due date is just around the corner. If you're close to needing leave, it can be helpful to disclose once you’ve accepted the offer (but before your first day, to avoid surprises) so that you and your future employer can start prepping a plan together. This keeps the conversation collaborative rather than reactive, and positions you as someone who's proactive and considerate.

You might say something like:

I wanted to share that I’m currently [X] months pregnant, with a due date in [Month]. I’m really excited to join the team and am fully committed to starting strong. I’d love to work together to build a plan that makes my transition in and out of parental leave as smooth as possible.

Framing it this way focuses on solutions rather than surprises. Once you have the job (and it’s in writing), you’re protected by law from discrimination, including decisions related to your pregnancy or upcoming parental leave. So, share on your terms, in your time. And when you do, bring the same confidence and clarity that got you the offer in the first place.

So…is it hard to get a job if you are pregnant?

It can be. Some companies still see pregnancy as a liability. But others will hire a pregnant candidate without hesitation—because their skills are the perfect match. “I’ve had employers knowingly hire pregnant women because the candidates’ skill sets were a great fit for the organization,” DeLay says. “Sell your ability to do the job, and if that is awesome—and accurate—employers will be willing to work with you.”  

Your job in the interview is to make that match crystal clear. Lead with what you bring to the table: experience, attitude, and value. If your fit is strong enough, many employers will work with you, even if it means a few months of leave upfront.

You’re not just a candidate. You’re a whole person

Pregnancy doesn’t cancel out your professional value. If anything, the mental load you’re already managing shows you’re capable, resourceful, and focused. So, whether you choose to disclose pregnancy during a job interview or not, make sure the focus stays where it belongs—on your strengths, your work, and the future you’re building.