pregnant and job interviewing

Sarah m Wells

What is everyone's opinion on if/when to tell potential employers you are expecting.  I am 4 months pregnant and did not disclose my pregnancy in an interview I had today  The supervisor offered me a job on the spot and I told her I had a couple other interviews to attend before making the commitment.  NOW WHAT? DO I tell her before I completely accept?

cannedjuice

I think it would be appropriate to tell them, or wait. If you tell them and they retract your offer you would know that it is based on your pregnancy, which would give you an option for a discrimination suit. 

You don't have to tell them. Tell them whenever you want. IMO (depending on the employer) it would be kind to let them know what your plans are for maternity leave since it's only 5 months away. It's more difficult with a small employer, not such a big deal with a larger company.

akaster25

Legally you don't need to tell them until it is time to notify them of your need for leave (so it would depend on the employer's rule regarding vacation/leave time).

https://moneyland.time.com/2007/08/01/pregnant_jobseekers_when_to_di/ 

However, this link gives some good advice to negotiate NOW (if you accept the job), otherwise you may damage your working relationship when they realize you "hid" this from them.  They can't rescind the offer just because you're pregnant, but if the job function is critical and your leave would cause a major problem for the organization, they can rescind for that I believe.  Also, depending on timing you may not qualify for FMLA leave (meaning they won't hold your job) and probably not get paid maternity leave.  Things you definitely are better off talking about now and not in a few months.

ILoveRedVino

You wouldn't be eligible for OFLA by the time you have the baby (you have to be there for 6 months), so I'd let them know and see how they'd handle your leave.  If they are not willing to hold your job when you go out to have the baby, that may make your own decision easier.