I am currently 13 weeks pregnant.

12 Comments

1. Patricia Osborne RandolphMay 22,2025 at 12:42PM UTC

   What is the reason for the concern about sharing the joy?

2. AnonymousMay 22,2025 at 1:04PM UTC

   Unfortunately, not all workplaces are supportive. Announcing a pregnancy too early can unintentionally affect how you're perceived. Some employers may (consciously or not) assume you’ll be less committed or available.

   Even in progressive workplaces, revealing a pregnancy too early can lead to unconscious bias in workload assignments, promotions, or opportunities.

3. AnonymousMay 22,2025 at 12:56PM UTC

   Don’t share personal news about your condition until you have to, for instance to apply for maternity leave. Your boss reports to the company and this news could come back to bite you in any number of ways if you divulge it early. I wouldn’t share until you absolutely must.

4. LauraMay 22,2025 at 1:02PM UTC

   While there may be advice to not share until you absolutely have to, you know your company and your boss best. You don't have to disclose it at this point but if you know that you work for a supportive company and department then you may want to for various reasons. I had a complicated pregnancy that led me to share the news really early because the number of tests and doctor's appointments I had. But I knew my boss and the company as a whole would be nothing but supportive which they were. I requested a one on one meeting with my boss so I could tell her in person . Congrats!!

5. AnonymousMay 22,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

   You will need to share with him your good news when or before you start showing and it becomes obvious. This is different for every woman, as I was showing at 12 weeks but I know of some who hid it for most of their pregnancy. As for what to say, there are a couple of ways to do it. One would be you need to discuss with him an extended medical leave that will likely start at or before your due date. Actually this is best done face-to-face, but if you are 100% remote, then do it through a video call. It is important that both of you have the ability to read the body language of each other. That way you have an idea of how the news is taken, and your manager can see your joy (or trepidation) of your news. Let them know that you will do everything you can to stay focused on your job, but if the doctor says to pull back, you hope that the company will respond with the best interest of the child in mind.

6. AnonymousMay 22,2025 at 3:08PM UTC

   Congratulations for sure!

   That said, let me ask the following before telling you what you should or shouldn't do: Do you quality for FMLA? Does your state have mandated PFL? Does your company provide STD and do you qualify? Does your company have a paid parental/caregiver/maternity leave program? Who will your work transition to when you are on leave? Do you have a plan for how that will happen? Will someone need to be trained to do your job while you are gone? Do you have a dedicated HR representative that you can reach out to with questions?

7. maria roseMay 27,2025 at 11:04PM UTC

   As a follow up to this comment and another comment, the OP never mentioned their time working at this company and in in this job position . Nor was there any mention of geographic location. Not downgrading the exciting news about the pregnancy, those factors need to be understood clearly. As pointed out, there would be references in the hiring paperwork under the benefits covered and the OP also needs to be thinking long range beyond having the child and be researching what is available for recovery time off under sick pay and other paid time benefits that the company offers/provides. The maternity leave falls under a different category definition and that’s is determined by the geographic area that regulates how FLMA works in in terms of requirements for the company to cover and if the leave has a paid benefit from the local government beyond any paid time from the company. The company is only required by labor law to allow the leave up to one year without termination of employment.And all of this is determined if the OP has worked in the job for a determined number of time by geographic location.

   As far as telling the employer, I advise checking the above information first and then making the big announcement and be prepared to give medical information if necessary. for accommodations in work conditions.

8. AnonymousMay 22,2025 at 7:58PM UTC

   Congrats! Consult HR with your rights, and what is available to you for time off. Parental leave for example. Then find out from them their recommendation for providing the news. Make a plan how your job will be affected, how the work will continue, and have all of this information before you meet with your boss. Remember, your boss is not your friend, your company hired you to do a job, and hopefully your company has parental leave. Get your info first before sharing the great news. Even though you're excited, your boss may not be as you being out for a while may cause work to be realigned. Totally doable of course, but have your ducks in a row first.

9. IntentionGirl630054May 23,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

   I found it interesting that you didn't share how long you'd been in this company. It does have a bearing on your ability to 'read' the situation, as well as how valuable an employee you are considered to be.

   I always waited until I showed - as was mentioned, some earlier than others. I tried to wait until 5 months, the main reason was, before I was first pregnant, a colleague who was so excited shared the news the minute she passed the 3 month mark, to know for sure. Somehow, the concept of 9 months seemed to be lost on the guys since they started asking at about 7 months, "haven't you had the kid, yet??" Being asked that question when the body is very aware of the greater physical efforts being required can a bit depressing. Also, as long as you are not obviously pregnant, you can tell your boss that you were wanting to inform he/she early on for schedule planning purposes, but that you will pick a different time to share with your colleagues or co-workers, if you prefer.

   HPPA is real and you needn't share your current health status with anyone without a need to know.

   Aside from all that -- congratulations, and hopes for a happy and healthy baby.

10. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachMay 25,2025 at 6:54PM UTC

    That's a great plan. I have done this twice and on my 1:1 with my manager I just lead with - "I have some great personal news, I am pregnant ! I am due (date)!"

11. AnonymousMay 27,2025 at 3:55PM UTC

    Share the news and expected need for time off. And additionally follow this up with an email to him and to HR for reference bcc your personal email as well. Consult with your employee handbook to find out what time off you are able to take during the time to bond and deliver. Congratulations.

12. LiliaMay 30,2025 at 10:51PM UTC

    congrats!