Truly dislike my position but just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant.

10 Comments

1. yvetteAugust 7,2025 at 12:32AM UTC

   So awkward, right!? The advice I have been given by corporate career coaches is simply not to bring it up; it is illegal for hiring decisions to factor in your pregnancy, so bringing it up kind of entraps them. I also asked about leave benefits and FMLA job protection...I was told that even if you haven't qualified for full benefits yet, reputable companies rarely choose to push you out on your leave (they would just lose a good worker and gain a bad reputation).

2. AnonymousAugust 8,2025 at 1:10PM UTC

   You can google it but you are not eligible for FMLA unless you have worked somewhere for a year so if you do find a new job - you may not be able to take any time off unless they have a specific maternity leave policy that allows you to use it earlier than a year

3. Suzanne TaylorAugust 8,2025 at 3:19PM UTC

   Do not bring up your pregnancy during interviewing/hiring processes. It is also illegal for them to ask about it, even if you're obviously pregnant (which probably won't happen until 6+ months!). If they make an offer, you should inquire about leave benefits to see if they work for you. Depending on your current benefits, it might be worth it to stick it out in your current role and receive paid leave rather than risk unpaid/no maternity leave in another role (assuming you're in the U.S.).

4. AnonymousAugust 8,2025 at 4:41PM UTC

   Asking if someone is pregnant during an interview process is illegal. You might consider finding a role that is remote so that you have bonding time with your new child when they arrive. Good luck in your search.

5. AnonymousAugust 9,2025 at 12:43PM UTC

   DONT DISCLOSE ANYTHING THAT WILL MAKE PEOPLE NOT WANT TO HIRE YOU (pregnacy, illness, kids, other responsibilities) if you dont find a job before you start showing I would say just stick it out.

6. AnonymousAugust 9,2025 at 1:02PM UTC

   Don’t mention anything to the new place you are interviewing with and ask if you can see their benefits. Many places will not give you state leave/disability if you haven’t been there for at least 12 months (US). But some places do give exceptions, in some good companies, however it will be all unpaid but at least there was a job to come back to after 3 months of leave.

7. GenesisAugust 10,2025 at 12:26PM UTC

   I accepted a job offer 1 week after finding out I was pregnant. I didn't tell my supervisor until I was about 5 months pregnant because we had built rapport and I felt like I could trust him. Luckily, my organization only required 6 months of full-time work to take maternity leave so I was good to go.

   I teach professional development classes and I advise learners not to disclose anything that will limit their opportunities. That includes being pregnant and already having kids. I couldn't have imagined having to stay at my last position pregnant. I had outgrown the work environment and my insurance options for prenatal care would've been extremely limited. Look for a new position and read up on their handbook for parental leave and FMLA. If the organization is really a good fit, everything will fall into alignment.

8. AnonymousAugust 11,2025 at 1:03PM UTC

   Not advisable to ever give someone a reason not to hire you. They are not going to focus on their 'downsides' during the interview process, and we don't focus on what could be perceived as our 'downsides'. Hope you can land quickly! Same with upcoming planned vacations, surgeries, etc. Good luck!

9. Tina MorenoAugust 11,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

   First off—congratulations! That’s such big news, and I completely understand wanting to be in a better situation before your little one arrives. As tempting as it might be to be upfront about your pregnancy during the recruiting process, you are under no obligation to share that information—and in most cases, it’s better not to. You want hiring managers focused on your skills and fit for the role, not making assumptions (even unconsciously) about your availability.

   That said, before making a move, I’d encourage you to look closely at the benefits you’re currently entitled to—things like paid family leave, short-term disability, or any state-specific family leave programs you might qualify for. If you change jobs, you may have to meet a waiting period before being eligible for those benefits again, which could impact your time off and income during maternity leave. Understanding those timelines and entitlements can help you weigh whether it’s worth staying a bit longer or if it still makes sense to transition now.

   Bottom line—you deserve both a healthier work environment and the security to welcome your baby without added financial stress. A little research now will help you make the decision that best supports both you and your growing family.

10. Krystin MorganAugust 14,2025 at 4:58PM UTC

    Congratulations on your pregnancy! :)

    I don't think there's harm in seeing what other roles are out there. That said, be aware that you won't qualify for FMLA leave if you haven't worked at a company for a year. That means you should get very clear on whether companies offer other parental leave (and be comfortable with the fact that you won't have the job protection).

    I would not mention it during the recruiting process. If you receive an offer and need to get clarity about parental leave policies, etc., you can ask for that info - and if you feel so inclined, you *could* mention your pregnancy at that point (post-offer), but you're not obligated to.

    I would NOT mention it during the recruiting process. I