I’m starting a new job next week and just found out I’m pregnant.

31 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:56PM UTC

   You should give at least 3 months notice but more if you're comfortable so they can plan your time out of office.

2. AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:07PM UTC

   I’d let them know when you’re past the first trimester. If you notify too close to your due date they’ll be scrambling to find coverage for your regular duties for leave, or if you’re going to leave, to fill your position.

3. AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:19PM UTC

   Waiting till the end of your first trimester is safe but give them at least 8-12 weeks notice so they can find coverage.

   Also, make sure when you do give notice you ask any questions about their maternity leave policy.

4. Sabrina CortesMay 20,2022 at 3:38PM UTC

   Congratulations!

   Like some others have said, I'd wait until you're past your first trimester to tell them.

   Hopefully with being a remote job that it'll provide some flexibility for your pregnancy.

   Warmest vibes sent your way!

5. Sherri JonesMay 21,2022 at 4:41PM UTC

   Congratulations - since it's remote it just depends on how much time off you are planning once you have the baby. If you plan to return to that position, you want to ensure they are prepared to have someone fill your shoes while you're out. Also, if you haven't yet, check their family leave policy.

6. Krystin MorganMay 21,2022 at 9:39PM UTC

   Whenever you're comfortable sharing! There's no need to share until you want to, as long as you tell them before you go on leave (some companies have a policy regarding how much notice you have to give for parental leave so be sure to look into that too).

   Congratulations! :)

7. Marquisha ThomasMay 22,2022 at 2:53AM UTC

   When you safely enter the 2nd trimester, I’d say you could tell them! The fact that you are also working remotely is wonderful. You’ll be able to show them how well you can manage it all (with less morning sickness by then…I am hoping for you). But I also agree with the poster that mentioned you wanna make sure you get your due maternity leave in, and give them enough advance notice for that, based on their policy too. Congrats!!

8. Deb HornerMay 22,2022 at 12:19PM UTC

   It's YOUR body, and it's YOUR pregnancy. Tell them after you are safely in the second trimester - or later if you think that's wise. Read the employee handbook, and discover what their requirements are for notification for FMLA - although from my reading of that document, you won't qualify as you haven't been at the position for a year at the time of your required leave. Best wishes!

9. Stephanie ChernoffMay 22,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

   Also read the conditions for short term disability, since that’s typically how companies provide maternity leave pay. Since you found out you’re pregnant before your benefits started, they may try to call it a pre-existing condition and refuse to pay.

   But definitely wait until you’re through the first trimester.

   And congratulations, both on the new job and the pregnancy!

10. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMay 22,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

    Congrats! I would tell them in time to do some maternity leave planning, but not so late it's a little weird- so I agree with second trimester- 4 or 5 months. Do research their maternity leave policies as well as those of your state so you know your rights and will learn any steps you need to take to prepare.

    My daughter-in-law went through this last year. She was in her second trimester when interviewing and hired, so she told them right after her start date- they were wonderful about it and she was there long enough to take care of all the pre-leave arrangements and paperwork. Her employer is in Washington DC and she was also entitled for some DC benefits and all of that took paperwork and time.

11. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

    I would make sure you are past your probationary period. I once was fired on my last day (12/26- sucks right?) because I shared too early

12. Joann S. LublinMay 22,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    Waiting until your second trimester to inform your new boss also gives you extra time to make sure you've figured out how he or she can manage without you during your maternity leave. Your new employer will greatly appreciate both your advance notice and advance planning! Let us know how it goes and best of luck with both new ventures!!

13. Margie Siegel AtwaterMay 22,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

    I would go for complete disclosure. I found out I was pregnant the week before I was starting a new job, back when people worked in the office. I told them when I was handing in the new hire paperwork. In case of medical appointments and such, it is better that they know what is going on.

14. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 1:32PM UTC

    I had been with my company for 2 years and they were wonderful about my first pregnancy (I was nearly 5 months along when they hired me).
    I only told them immediately about my first pregnancy because my state has zero protections for pregnant women, and I wanted the terms of mat leave written into my offer so I didn’t end up jobless. Even though they were amazing about the first pregnancy, I waited until 24 weeks to tell anyone about my second pregnancy. Working remotely made it so easy to sit on it for awhile. My best advice is to get as many ducks in a row as possible before sharing the news. Know the parental leave laws of your state and your company’s policies. Most short term disability plans require a 10 month waiting period before they’ll pay out for mat leave, so that’s probably not an option. Just make sure you understand those terms before you pay a hefty monthly premium for STD.

15. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    I vote for second trimester because that’s when many people find it “socially safe” from a miscarriage point of view to disclose their pregnancy. You don’t owe your new employer any earlier disclosure than an existing employee and that’s when folks currently employed would do it.

16. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

    Same thing happened to me.
    I told them when I made it into the second trimester. Pretty much when I told my friends and the rest of my family is when I told my boss. I’m going on maternity leave in 2 weeks now!

    congrats!!

17. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 2:02PM UTC

    Don't hold off too long. They deserve to know your plans especially if you are going to take maternity leave. my daughter accepted a job the same day she found out she was pregnant, she told them at about 4 months, they took it well and she was eligible for a modified maternity leave.

18. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    First….Congrats!
    That is very exciting on both fronts. New job and new baby!

    Second…you are not required to tell your new employer until you are ready. I am in HR and something similar happened to me. I waited until I was in my 2nd trimester before I told my new boss/coworkers. You can contact HR before you tell your boss to see about your leave options. While you will not be eligible for FMLA, the pregnancy protection act requires employers to treat pregnancy as any other short term disability. Also you can take FMLA after you have been with your company a year and worked 1250 hours to bond with your new baby before the baby is a year old if you wish.

19. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

    Tell them right away, especially if it’s a small company and/or you are working on a small team. Give them time to prepare/adjust loads, decide what new work the team can take on. If your team’s working on soft money, there may not be funding to hire a temp.

20. HannahMay 22,2022 at 4:30PM UTC

    congratulations my friend, if your pregnancy doesn't give you any complications, why the rush? You can start and inform them later when you think the timing is right

21. Christi MillerMay 22,2022 at 8:38PM UTC

    I would tell them at the start of your second trimester. That should give them enough time to prepare. Congrats on the new job and new baby.

22. Kathleen FisherMay 22,2022 at 9:03PM UTC

    Congratulations!!!

23. Stacey SchoonmakerMay 22,2022 at 9:07PM UTC

    Congrats!!! I went through this before and told them once I was out of the miscarriage stage. Maybe even a little longer. Either way don’t wait too long because, you’ll want to give time to reassign work. And you’ll have tons of doctor appointments so you’ll get less “why are you always gone” questions.

    Hope this helps!

24. Kala Kincaid CallahanMay 22,2022 at 11:18PM UTC

    I would tell them at around the 4 month mark of your pregnancy unless there are any special circumstances about your pregnancy. Congratulations! Enjoy that sweet new baby! ♥️

25. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 11:45PM UTC

    I would not disclose until you are out of your probationary period. Most companies it is 90 days.

26. Alison PlumeyMay 23,2022 at 12:34AM UTC

    There should be no discrimination about being pregnant first you need to know if your Job has PTO and if is accumulated or just provided.

    Make sure you don't use it until its really necessary plan around your pregnancy as best as possible. Health first. Verify the accumulation of PTO and If you have disability and what are current polocies. if married check if husband job provide Disability before you. FMLA won't be working in time for your due or induce date. To FMLA to kick you need to be working with the company for one year or certain amount of hours check the one that applies to you. Usually Disability is for one day and extended if you had a cesárea. but I vote for being honest from the very beginning because there are employers that are pro families and good performance gives then to say ok we are going to help and will accommodate according to your needs Make a plan talk to your employer and be clear about your benefits and health insurance.

27. Alison PlumeyMay 23,2022 at 12:43AM UTC

    FYI I don't have children but worked for three years at SedwicknCMS and I loved my worked there I was claim intake but I did more than that.
    But I am happy for you I tried having child but its not God plan for me So, do what it takes to keep it healthy and safe some of us cannot have one.

28. Boniog Ma. AgnesMay 23,2022 at 3:12AM UTC

    Congratulations on your new baby! I suggest you inform the company on the fourth month. The company will need to prepare your benefits. Stay safe and healthy!

29. Danielle DoanMay 23,2022 at 5:08PM UTC

    Congratulations!

    I found out 2 weeks into a new job that I was pregnant with my son. I believe I waited until the beginning of the second trimester to tell them. For me that was also when OB appointments started to become more frequent, and gave us all plenty of time to arrange leave and such.

    FMLA didn't apply but there was a short-term disability policy that covered me at most of my pay for several weeks, and I was able to pile accrued vacation onto that to supplement that time.

    At the same job, they never knew about my following pregnancy 2 years later; I miscarried at 9 weeks and took a couple of sick days while that was happening. I am glad I waited in that instance; I really didn't want to think about it at work, and questions from well-meaning colleagues would have been difficult.

30. Kala Kincaid CallahanMay 23,2022 at 6:14PM UTC

    I’m sorry for your loss, Danielle

31. Danielle DoanMay 24,2022 at 6:34PM UTC

    Thank you, Kala