When do I tell work I am pregnant?

SaraRN12

I am newly pregnant with baby #2 (just found out today) and I am wondering how things will work out with my job.  When I had my first child I was a stay-at-home mom, but that will not be the case this time around.  I love my job and I want to work through my pregnancy, but I will need to have restrictions.  I am a nurse and I will need to be more cautious at work regarding x-ray exposure, lifting patients, etc.  Not to mention, it is not uncommon to go nine hours without a break on my floor.  I have had many times where I have worked a full 12.5 hour shift with barely enough time to use the restroom.  I wonder if I will be allowed to take it easier now that I am pregnant?  I am not a lazy nurse, but I do not want to overdue it now that I am expecting.  So I feel like I will need to tell work about my pregnancy sooner rather than later.  Anyways, when do people normally tell work that they are expecting? 

MrsJRD23

I'm a physical therapist in a hospital and like you are on my feet all day, lifting patients, exposed to various illnesses.  I did not tell my employer until after the first trimester.  I dealt with morning sickness (really all day sickness) and fatigue but managed to push through, remain productive and do a good job.  I told one close coworker as we had to switch patients one time as a patient on my caseload had shingles and I couldn't see that patient.  And unless you have a doctor note indicating you need to be on light duty, do not expect them to let you take it easier. 

sadie+w

Congrats on your pregnancy!

Personally, since your pregnancy will impact your work duties, I would let my boss know right away.  I'd prefer to do that rather than him/her wondering why I was all of a sudden taking additional pee breaks, etc.  I would let them know you are very early and to please not share your news. 

Netty_3

When you feel comfortable telling others.  Typically people wait until 12 weeks to share news of a baby. 

salesmom

If you are around x-rays and lifting patients like you said, I'd tell your work immediately so they can make necessary changes/arrangements.  Of course you can tell them you aren't ready to tell everyone yet and they should keep it confidential.