When to disclose my pregnancy?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 23,2024 at 2:22PM UTC

   Once you disclose your pregnancy, they cannot fire you for that, only for performance reasons. They must show cause or face the potential of a discrimination lawsuit (federal law, as pregnancy is a protected class). If some haven't guessed already, you won't be able to hide it for long. (I started showing the baby bump at 12 weeks with my children and in full maternity clothes by 14 weeks.) I know everyone starts showing at a different time, but, likely, it won't be a surprise when you do disclose.

   All that said, talk with your doctor. If your health is good, and they expect a routine pregnancy/birth (i.e. no risk factors), you can wait until you feel ready. If the doctor suggests you need additional accommodations (lifting limits, extra leave time before the birth, etc.) then get them to write an accommodations letter and disclose at the point they become important. One thing to note is the more time you can give them to prepare for your leave, the better, especially if your job is mission-critical.

2. misskelleypApril 23,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

   WHEN you do talk to your manager, have a plan in place to cover your work while you're out. This, being proactive, helps reassure management that you care about the job and the business and will ensure that the work gets done in your absence. Good luck.

3. maria roseApril 23,2024 at 7:22PM UTC

   I had to look up what this OP meant by viable pregnancy to understand what they meant and why they are delaying notifying their new employer. I am getting the impression that there was a previous job or a financial need to work for this OP to start a new job at 5 months pregnant and they might have had pregnancy complications at the early stages so another reason why they didn’t tell the new employer about the pregnancy during the hiring phase. —they need this job—Hopefully this job will accommodate the PTO/maternity leave and accommodate her physical needs before the leave date and help her adapt to returning back to work.

   As the other commenters suggest, whenever this OP does the formal announcement of her pregnancy, which should include a plan of action for also preparing how to prepare the workplace to plan. This OP should be ready to answer all questions as to the future at the job after the birth

4. AnonymousApril 24,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

   Personally, I would not disclose it at all. It will become increasingly obvious. When you get to the point where THEY finally say something, you say "Of course! I thought you noticed during the hiring process. Wasn't it obvious to look at me??"

5. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdApril 24,2024 at 1:02PM UTC

   Firstly, congratulations! I pray all goes well for you.

   Secondly, you're right in that you are never legally bound to inform an employer that you're pregnant. Many women will wait until the end of the first trimester, or when they start showing.

   Before you talk with people, have a plan in place. How long will you be out for the pregnancy? What can you do to help your coworkers while you're out? If your company allows and you'd like to - can you continue with any aspect of your job as you recover?

   I wish you all the best!

6. AnonymousApril 24,2024 at 2:25PM UTC

   I would talk to HR first and ask about maternity leave benefits so you sound knowledgeable and have a plan when you talk to your manager. FMLA benefits only apply if you’ve been at a company 12 months, so you may not have many options.

   I personally told my boss when I was 5 months pregnant because I felt that was sufficient time to come up with a leave plan. Good luck!

7. misskelleypApril 24,2024 at 6:14PM UTC

   I'd use caution when talking to HR. They will go straight to your manager with this info in some/many cases. Don't forget - HR works for the company, not the employees. You're correct about FMLA, but many states have different rules for parental leaves, and there's the new Pregnant Workers Protection Act also.

8. AnonymousApril 25,2024 at 12:43AM UTC

   You're still in the 90 day probation period - I wouldn't say anything during that time. Be careful with stressing over this...Good Luck!

9. AnonymousApril 25,2024 at 2:40PM UTC

   Feel free to let them know (face to face) around 12-14 weeks :) pregnancy is a protected class.

   If they treat you differently document…document. After one mistreatment relating to your pregnancy I would start notifying a lawyer of what’s going on.

   If you randomly get put on a PIP, do not sign it. Say I would like some extra time to review and reflect before signing. Even if they push you to sign it.