Looking for a job, do I tell perspective employers I'm pregnant?

eerwin50 · August 2010

I was employed up until recently, but my boss had a big problem with the fact that I was pregnant. I quit because of the obvious discrimination issues, but now I'm 4 months pregnant- and I need a job.

Unfortunately, staying at home is not an option. I'm starting to interview with new perspective employers. Legally, I don't think I have to tell them during the interview process, nor can they ask me about the pregnancy. But if I get hired, when is the best time to reveal I'm pregnant? I'm already showing, but can cover it up, though I'm not sure how long I'll be able to do that.

I'm scared that once I'm showing, most employers will find other reasons to not hire me. Has anyone else faced this problem before?

AudreyHpbrn · August 2010

No offense, I wouldn't have quit but would have talked to HR about this. Also, how do you know?

When you are applying, you do not say anything until an offer is made. Do know though that you will not be covered by FMLA and they will give you the minimal amount time off.

They are not supposed to discriminate you based on your pregnancy.

CrossLA · August 2010

Professionally I'm a recruiter - I deal with this daily it seems!

You don't legally have to tell them. However, you may want to tell them to be honest.

I just hired a woman in December who was pregnant - she didn't tell us (she knew) and now she's out on maternity leave 7 months into being hired....leaving us in the same boat as we were in when trying to fill her position. We'd maybe still have offered but it has left a bitter taste in my boss' mouth b/c he felt lied to.

Also, know that if you are looking for FMLA (12 weeks post delivery) you will not qualify for that if you are employed less than 12 months. The company needs to hvae 50+ employees also but you won't qualify so you may find that you only get 6 (unpaid) weeks leave.

Annierose1 · August 2010

I was in your same boat 2 months ago. If you want to be upfront and honest with your new employer, wait until you've received a written or verbal offer. After you have received an offer you have rights as an employee and they can not decline their offer, nor can they fire you after you start simply because you're pregnant. It's better to get it out of the way upfront rather than waiting. You're leaving them with the stress of finding a temp while you're on leave or just finding a way to distribute your duties to other employees while you're gone. It's better to give them more time to prepare.

And your previous employer can't legally fire you because you're pregnant. I would find a lawyer if I were you and get to the bottom of that. I work for a law firm that specializes in employment law, if you live in my area and want to speak to a lawyer, let me know.

spursgirl10 · August 2010

I would tell them to be honest. You don't have to but it says a lot about a person when they are upfront about it.

A&J06 · August 2010

AudreyHpbrn:
No offense, I wouldn't have quit but would have talked to HR about this. Also, how do you know?
When you are applying, you do not say anything until an offer is made. Do know though that you will not be covered by FMLA and they will give you the minimal amount time off.
They are not supposed to discriminate you based on your pregnancy.

This!!! Talk to HR, don't quit. The further along you get the harder it'll be to hide your pregnancy.

mgshea · August 2010

I agree with earlier posting, wait until you get offer in writing. While it is illegal to discriminate it still happens.

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Looking for a job, do I tell perspective employers I'm pregnant?

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