I'm currently 3mos pregnant and will have an offer soon...

Anonymous

November 3,2022 at 2:11PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I'm currently 3mos pregnant and will have an offer soon... should I disclose my pregnancy before the offer or after? For some reason I feel like I am "lying" by not being transparent, but I also know I'm only protected against discrimination if I accept the offer first and then disclose. Please share your opinions as this is my first pregnancy and I'm torn on what to do. Thank you!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

7 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

7 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousNovember 3,2022 at 3:57PM UTC
Many things happen during early pregnancy (unfortunately) so out of an abundance of caution I would wait for a bit.
AnonymousNovember 3,2022 at 5:08PM UTC
I would refrain from sharing details about your pregnancy until an offer is made, signed and sealed. I'd only share your pregnancy announcement more so into your second trimester or whenever you feel ready to do so. Plus, you still need to time process and complete your probationary period (if there is one) in this role to make sure it's a fit for you/and fit for the company.
You aren't breaking any laws by not disclosing your pregnancy status during hiring, so do not feel like your are "lying." You're good and everything will be okay! I read stories all the time about women getting hired at 7-8 months pregnant and they're still crushing the job prior to going on maternity leave.
Good luck to you! Congrats on the baby on the way.
AnonymousNovember 3,2022 at 7:10PM UTC
I kept my pregnancy quiet until my 20 week scan. It was the only scan my insurance would cover and I was having a lot of anxiety that something was wrong. I have a healthy baby girl now.
Veronika Strnadova-NeeleyNovember 6,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
I would also say, wait to disclose this information. Many people wait until later in pregnancy to reveal the pregnancy to people that aren't very close to them. That said, I was in my first trimester with my third child when I got an offer, and I actually did disclose that I was pregnant in order to negotiate a fair maternity leave. My situation was such that I didn't have a dire need to take the job, and would only take it if I knew they would be family friendly. All went well, and I'm currently planning to return to work part time after taking 4 months of paid and 5 months of unpaid leave (9 months total where I got to be a stay at home mama to my 3 kiddos!). I know my situation rare.
AnonymousNovember 6,2022 at 6:10PM UTC
I would wait until you've been on the job a couple of months and have performed WELL (you should make extra effort to do so). But tell your manager before you start to show. Then discuss how to handle the work while you are on pregnancy leave, so you show that you have a plan for the business and work to go on while you are out.
Joann S. LublinNovember 6,2022 at 6:26PM UTC
I agree with other commentators. You also might connect with alums of this company who gave birth while working there.They'll have some good tips about the ideal time to disclose. I also recommend you read my latest book, "Power Moms: How Executive Mothers Navigate Work and Life" for tips from women who had kids before or after they become executives. Good luck!
KATY SIMONESNovember 8,2022 at 5:09PM UTC
Speaking from experience, don't disclose.