Just got hired for a new job and didn't tell them I was pregnant, what can I do?

erejician@yahoo.com · January 2010

Hi all, I'm new to the boards and the mommy world - thanks for taking the time to listen

I'm 18 weeks pregnant with my first child and recently interviewed at a company for a full time office position where I'll be putting my college degree to use. I'm barely showing - it's the awkward "are you pregnant or is that a beer belly stage" and if I tighten my abs, you can't tell I'm expecting. I was offered the job and will go in to sign the contact in 2 weeks. I didn't tell anyone whom I interviewed with that I was expecting (as anyone would be, I was nervous that being pregnant would hinder their decision). Luckily they gave me the job based on my skills and now I have a huge decision to make... do I tell them I'm pregnant when I sign the contract or do I wait and prove my worth to them and then break the news?

I will and want to come back to work after the baby is born, as I cannot pass up this amazing opportunity. The baby's grandmother lives 15 min away from us and has offered to watch our baby when I return to work and I'm willing to work from home during my leave if need be. I need and want this job - I'm just scared to death of the repercussions that may lay ahead. The company has a mandatory 90 day probationary period and I'm scared they'll make up a lie/excuse and can me after that time.

If anyone has any words of advice or a prepared speech (haha) I'd greatly appreciate it - thanks in advance!

jkelly41 · January 2010

This is a tough decision! I'm not in HR and can't give you an educated decision from that standpoint, but I think I would tell them when you sign the contract. I'd also state your intent to come back to work after maternity leave and that you already have daycare arrangements. That way, they can't make up a reason in your 90 day prob time. If they say no thanks at the contract signing, you know it's because you're pregnant and you have a case against them.

Good luck!

tlc102205 · January 2010

First, congrats on your baby and the job! Second, I think you did the right thing by not telling them about your pregnancy up front. Third, you might not be showing a lot now, but a lot can happen in 2 weeks when you go to sign the contract...ala baby bump!

At this point you have an offer b/c they found you qualified and for them to take it back after finding out you are pregnant I think leaves them open for trouble. I would stress to them that your intentions are to continue working after the baby is born. I would also do your homework b/c I don't believe you will qualify for FMLA since you will only be there for 20 weeks (I think you need to be employed for 12 months and have worked 1000 hours to have the job security), again, I'm not the know it all.

Good luck!

Bride2b2004 · January 2010

Congrats!

IMO, you should tell them before signing on. If you don't, you will likely cause bad feelings. 18w is pretty far along and there really isn't going to be time to "prove yourself" before your pg is more than obvious. I don't think it would be possible (and certainly not comfortable) to hide your pg through 32w (2w + 90day probation period). Besides, it will be very awkward trying to hide something that big and IMO, the stress would not be worth it. You can feel somewhat secure in telling them because employers are not permitted to discriminate against you because you are pg (although you will not be with the company long enough to have your job protected by FMLA while you are on leave). Yes, they can find excuses to let you go, but they could do that any time anyway and I think that is a chance I think you have to take... I would tell them your due date, your plans for child care and your expected return date so they know that you are committed to returning to work and have a plan in place.

jamie7751 · February 2010

Pretty much everything the pp poster stated.

I was offered my current job when I was 17 weeks pregnant. After I was given the offer I told my hiring manager that I was 17 weeks pregnant, that I planned to return to work after 6 - 8 weeks depending on delivery. You won't be eligible for FMLA so that is something to take into account. I personally think if I was the hiring manager and you didn't tell me I would be pretty ticked off and think you weren't very trustworthy, know what I mean? I think it's just common courtesy to let them know before you sign - legally they can't fire you for being pregnant.

Otherwise, congratulations and good luck!

joseandelena · February 2010

you should tell them when you got to sign the contract. I am pretty sure it is illegal to discriminate against you based on your pregnancy. Besides, it's your duty to tell them if you want to be trusted in the future and also you gotta find out whether you can take off for delivery and whether you are eligible for health benefits and FMLA

erejician@yahoo.com · February 2010

THANKS EVERYONE! I actually had a few extra days to think about what I was going to do/say because the snow gods dumped 30" on us in a few days haha. I gathered all the nerve I had and told my immediate boss that I was expecting a baby in July... and he congratulated me! He then went to his boss to inform him on the situation and I was relieved to find out that all was a-ok. They were just concerned about whether or not I would be returning after my leave and I assured them I would most definitely be coming back. So thanks again for all the insight and advice, it's very much appreciated

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Just got hired for a new job and didn't tell them I was pregnant, what can I do?

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