When should I tell work??

sterlingmagpie

I work in Veterinary Medicine, and have a lot of work related pregnancy risks; anesthetic gas, radiology, lifting and restraining large dogs, etc.

I have finally had a positive home pregnancy test! (Two really, 5 days and 3 days early. The first was super faint) And my Very regular period is now a day late. I’m very excited, and I want to tell everyone but my husband and I are waiting a while before we tell friends and family.

I saw a lot of things online suggesting to wait until the end of the first trimester to tell an employer that you’re pregnant, but that feels late.

Should I be waiting to tell my employer? Should I tell them right away?

I don’t want to announce to the Entire hospital yet, but I also don’t want to have to run around finding excuses as to why I can no longer help with certain tasks.

ReadyForaB

If there are risks, I would tell as soon as possible.  I don't have any risks but plan to tell my boss this week simply because I hate sneaking around to appointments and such.  My boss won't tell the office, or anyone for that matter.  Plus, I told him early last year and ended up having a miscarriage and I was so happy I was able to be honest with him when I needed some mental health days. 

iiridescenti

I think you should tell them whenever you're comfortable doing so. It does make sense in your class to mention it earlier rather than later. Maybe the next time you find you're being asked to do a task that could jeopardize your baby, it would be a great opportunity to pull your manager aside to mention it.

I'm actually on the opposite side for my job. My annual review is early September and I'm hoping I can apply to another position before they find out I'm pregnant. I figure once people at work find out there's no way I'll get promoted since they'd want me to work in my new position rather than take off for leave, not sure I can hold out until Sept though!

jesofthenorth

I’m in the process of interviewing for new jobs, which is super exciting, but I can’t tell if I should be open about my pregnancy from the get-go or wait until I’m (hopefully) offered a position. I know it’s illegal to discriminate and I usually err on the side of full transparency, but I’m worried I’ll send the wrong message in the interviews. 

What would you do? Has anyone been in this boat before? Thanks for any advice you can share, mamas. ❤️❤️

daffodil_shoe

@jesofthenorth I absolutely would not tell them you’re pregnant. Yes, it is illegal to not hire someone based on that, but literally all they have to say is they “hired someone more qualified” and pretend it’s not because you’re pregnant.

jennifer_louise

I agree @jesofthenorth! Do you think you'll be able to squeeze the interviews in while you can still hide the bump?

ETA at my place of work we're doing fully remote interviews atm due to lots of covid.

jesofthenorth

@daffodil_shoe That’s a good point; I am extremely qualified and have all the right experience, but I’d hate to put too much trust in a bunch of people I don’t really know yet. Thank you!!

@jennifer_louise luckily this job is fully remote, so all the interviews will be remote as well. I can definitely hide any bump that makes an appearance (although for now I’ve only grown in the bewbs, no belly just yet). First interview with the Dream Job is this week so here’s hoping!

dana3221

I recently accepted a new job! When I interviewed I was 6 and 8 weeks and did not disclose that info. I am now 12 weeks and have not shared yet, but most likely will soon since I have signed the contract and what not. I definitely would not tell until you are offered and accept the job!

L1C4gal

@jesofthenorth good luck with your interview! So exciting! I concur with others--don't disclose at this point. Wait until you have an offer in hand; at that point, they can't legally revoke it and try to blame it on something else. This is what I did for my current job, which I was offered when I was pregnant with my now-5yo. Sending lots of great interview vibes your way!

jesofthenorth

Thank you all!! I really appreciate your perspectives and I’ll let you know how it goes! 🥰