I got laid off while pregnant (employer didn't know- it's truly ok!) and recently got a new job.

Anonymous

February 7,2023 at 6:44PM UTC

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I got laid off while pregnant (employer didn't know- it's truly ok!) and recently got a new job. I lost the baby I was pregnant with earlier this summer when I lost my job, but found out I was pregnant the day I started my new job. It's the perfect role in a new industry for me, a real career game changer. How would you tell your new manager? I'm ok financially if they end up laying me off, but professionally, this is the best job opportunity for me yet. I'm nervous but coming off a miscarriage, I really only care about my family at the end of the day.

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Rebecca AliFebruary 7,2023 at 6:53PM UTC
Congratulations on the new job and the baby! Companies can't discriminate against you for pregnancy so I would just honestly explain the situation. Then, I would follow up with what your plan is before you leave for mat leave, when you plan to return etc. However, I would steer away from guarantees and specifics and do not offer to work on your mat leave. Your family should absolutely come first - jobs come and go. Good luck to you!
AnonymousFebruary 7,2023 at 7:21PM UTC
Congrats, I was also laid off during my pregnancy (laid off at 21w, currently 33w still haven't found a new role so this is exciting for you) but my company did know I was pregnant. Just know that everyone will tell you pregnancy is a protected class, but you can 100% be laid off during pregnancy. I spoke with an attorney, so unless you can absolutely beyond any doubt PROVE the lay off is due to pregnancy discrimination, companies can let you go for really any other reason and being new in a role I'm guessing you're in a 90 day starting off period so worth keeping things to yourself in my opinion.
That being said you may not qualify for maternity leave (some companies require 12m of employment) so worth trying to find out, read through the benefits pack. Perhaps they have an option where you can take an unpaid medical leave. As long as you have 26w on before you give birth you should qualify for FMLA which would protect your job.
Personally I shared with my company at 16w, and I only shared because my manager started to question "all of my appointments" .. I guess 3 doctor appointments in 3 or 4 weeks was "too many" Hope you have better luck at this new role!
AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 8:25PM UTC
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I've actually been eliminated knowingly pregnant before too. My elimination the first time was from a baby company ironically. They actually paid me off basically and I had to sign my rights to take legal action away. I'm sorry this isn't your situation. I personally didn't pursue legal action because the sum was enough to buy me 8 months home with my daughter. The last role the company just went under and I happened to be pregnant (unknown to them) so I felt no legal action was necessary. Prepared for the worst because I've experienced it. Such a sad state of affairs for us women! I hope your job search goes better soon and just know, these things happening usually lead to better opportunities. Sending positivity your way for a great last trimester and even better job when you're ready to go back.
AnonymousFebruary 7,2023 at 8:17PM UTC
Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I know that pain and even job lost. I would hope that your employer would be understanding to your situation. It would seem like a woman could sue for being terminated because your pregnant. They don't ask are you pregnant during interviews ironically. I think knowing your rights and having a plan for how you plan to contribute to the company would be good to have at hand when you do decide to tell management. It may go better than you think... its good that you are keeping an open mind about it all. Wishing you the best. ??.
AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 3:28PM UTC
Check your handbook and policies around maternity. Even if you’re not covered because you’re new, they normally will let you know the latest you should report your upcoming leave (I think in a past job it was 2 months). Use that as a benchmark. I completely agree coming in with a plan for your coverage would be a great idea if you can work that out with the time you have been there. As for missing hours for appointments, only if asked, explain you are dealing with a short term personal health matter, and the appointments are necessary.
Laura BrennanFebruary 8,2023 at 8:32PM UTC
I would also say to hang on a few weeks before you tell them. Get settled in, do your best work, and if you plan to keep the job after you give birth, really dig into it -- make it clear you're there for the long haul.
I found out I was pregnant after I interviewed and was offered a job (and following a miscarriage myself). I waited about three months to tell them. I let them know, and at the same time created a handbook of the job so that someone else could take it over seamlessly while I was gone. Even though I ended up having to leave a little early because of complications and didn't go back right away, they never forgot how easy I had made it for them and offered me a new position as soon as I was ready to go back to work.
It really depends on the company. Some will appreciate you, some won't. I think if you show your competence and your commitment to making your maternity leave as seamless as possible, you will be valued by the right people. And if they don't value that, you're probably well-rid of them.
Congrats on the job and the pregnancy!
AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 5:36PM UTC
Wait until you are 90 days into the pregnancy and then share the news. It's positive news and when you sit down with your manager ask them for the timing you hope to have when you need to take maternity leave. Work out the dates and details, though it may be early to do so. Let them know that in the past you had a loss and no need to share dates with them of when it happened. Congrats on the new role and impending baby.