Starting a new job pregnant?

Question

I am almost certain that I will receive an offer from a very prestigious company. I have currently been at my job for about 9 years but the opportunity I am about to receive in this new role is one in a lifetime and not to mention more money. The thing is that I just recently found out that I am pregnant. Should I tell my future employer before receiving the offer letter? Should I wait to tell them after? Or should I stay at my current position where I am stable and have more flexibility?

Brandi Herrell · Answer

Talk to them after they offer you the job. Then you can let them know your situation and test the waters on how much support you'll receive once you begin to need more flexibility in scheduling.

Anonymous · Answer

I was recently in a very similar situation. I decided to tell my future employer after they sent an offer but before accepting but I think it's very dependent on your situation. I personally decided this because: 1) it's a small company and a senior role, so being out for several months is a large disruption 2) I wanted to work at a company that is supportive to working mothers so if they weren't supportive to hearing about my pregnancy, it probably wouldn't be somewhere I'd want to work.

If it were a larger company where my absence wouldn't have been felt as much, I might have made a different decision. Good luck!

Sarah Dougherty Johnston · Answer

I would consider talking to them about it.  Your FMLA could be at risk if you have the baby before you were in the role 9-months.  I've had clients mention it in the interview process and get a guarantee of paid maternity leave.

SShep · Answer

I interviewed for my new job while I was 16 weeks pregnant. DO NOT MENTION IT. For one thing, it's none of their business. For another, the company does not want to know. Why not? Because if you mention it and they don't hire you, now they are worried you will claim discrimination. Most women wait until they are 12-20 weeks to tell their extended family - why should a *potential* employer be different?

My employer constantly mentioned how 'family friendly' they were during interviews so I almost mentioned it. Once I got the job, I heard stories that made me sure I would not have been hired if I had disclosed that fact during my interview, as the owners (very religious men) believe mothers belong in the home. Yikes. Thankfully I have an amazing female manager who has been an ally since I told her I was pregnant (at five months).

If you are concerned about maternity leave, request a copy of the employee handbook and benefits package during your negotiation. This should clarify which employees are eligible (some have to be there for a year, or 6 months, or all can take it). If you have an offer in hand but realize you won't be covered by their policy, you could share your news and request for paid leave as part of the negotiation.

Good luck!

Heather Neal · Answer

In my opinion, there is no reason to share this information until you are on board.  Once you are at the organization you can then share with your direct manager and decide the best strategy to ensure you are supported.

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