Well... this is awkward

lorist202 · September 2013

Another pregnant while job search question. Sorry....

I lost my job and I've been interviewing mostly at agencies. I'm expecting to hear back this week from my meetings last week, and I'm hopeful that I'll get some promising news. Meanwhile, I found out on Friday that I'm pregnant. To say I'll be showing anytime is an understatement. I suffer from Crohn's Disease, and long story short, I get belly bloat on a normal day- pregnancy bloat will only add to it. This is also my second pregnancy. I don't feel confident that I can hide it until after the 1st Trimester, when I know I can speak freely about it.

So basically, I'm likely 2-3 weeks away from getting a job (hopefully!). I NEED a job, even if only for the next 9 months. I'm unsure if I'll return to work immediately after the baby, or take an extended leave. How should I approach this?

ASmallWonder · September 2013

Lots of water, Spanx and a loose fitting top. They can't ask you about it and there are other things that could cause a person to be bloated so just because you're sure they'll know, they probably won't.

iverske9 · September 2013

I applied for a great job when I wasn't pregnant and the whole process took 11 weeks! I didn't get an offer letter till then. I am on my second as well, you do not have to say anything about it and legally they shouldn't be able to ask. I would suggest finding clothes that can cover it (dark suits with a blazer). I waited till I had a offer letter, signed it, passed background and drug test. So I was 12 weeks when I told my current boss. She was great about it and didn't care.

You will not receive maternity leave as you have not been anywhere a year to be eligible, and technically they do not have to offer FMLA. What do you do for work? I made the right decision not saying it. I have had a child before so baring major issues I am well prepared as to what is coming so I am probably only taking 8 weeks and we are saving to cover maternity.

I think it depends on the job. I knew my job would not be strenuous, or around Xrays or anything that can harm the baby. I do not work on my feet long hours and I can do some work from home (emails, etc) but was a little nervous when I told my new boss. Do you want to stay working after or would you stay home? These are usually where issues play in.

I love being a working mom with my first and will with my second. My husband will be staying home and working part time. I basically told my boss that I was a long tem investment and I am not letting a time speck of maternity leave change my path. I love my kids but I love my work so they will have no issue with my return or how much I work before.

I am working my butt off while preggo to make sure my boss knows that I was a great investment. You can do it. If you have and questions just PM me.

What do you do for work?

FemShep · September 2013

I have CD as well, and can totally sympathize with the bloat. Keep in mind that while you might feel you're huge, most strangers won't notice anything, especially if you look a bit like you've been hitting the chocolate hard instead of stereotypically pregnant. I kid you not, I was 6mo pg with DD2 and one of my male coworkers had no idea-and I was 5'3" and 115 pre-pregnancy.

Look for polished, professional clothes that give you a bit of room around the waist. Looser sweaters are good, and a nice cardigan can be a polished way to disguise bloat/early belly, especially if you pair it with some striking jewelry. Also remember to use dark, similar colors around the waist area, which will help disguise things.

lorist202 · September 2013

The advice here has been fantastic. I've begun shopping for some great new clothes that will hide my belly for now, as well as some amazing jewelry and accessories. Thank you for the wisdom and support.

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Well... this is awkward

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