Help!? When should I tell boss I'm pregnant?

surprisebabyca · June 2014

So I found out on mothers day that I was expecting, it was a complete surprise! I had absolutely no idea. I was under the impression that I might have only been 4 weeks along or so. But when I had my first prenatal visit my dr said I was actually a little over 10 weeks according to the ultrasound! Which scared me because I did not miss my period! Now things have gotten complicated for me. My boss plans to promote me around July and I am now 14 weeks along and have not mentioned my pregnancy to anyone at work. Im afraid that if I mention it to her she might not want to promote me after. If I wasn't as far along I dont think there'd be a problem. But I'm afraid I might begin to show before hand... I'm already feeling bloated and my pants aren't fitting

any suggestions?

golfingdarwinfish · June 2014

I found out at about 17 weeks that I will be getting promoted, and didn't want to share the pregnancy with anyone until the promotion was made official. It has still been a work in progress because my entire department is evolving due to a new ED (who reminded me 2 weeks ago that my promotion is in the works), and at 21 weeks I couldn't really hide the pregnancy anymore and wanted to tell my boss before someone else asked him if I was pregnant. I ended up telling him at a medical congress in Paris when I was about 21 weeks. The timing was perfect because later that day another colleague asked him if I was pregnant. I don't regret not telling him earlier; he really didn't have to know and I had already researched consultants to pass my work onto during maternity leave, so I went to him prepared.

If you're concerned you will no longer get promoted I would recommend reporting the pregnancy to HR first and perhaps noting that you're supposed to be promoted in July. Otherwise I would just wait until July to share the news. You don't have to tell just because you're feeling bloated and need to purchase new pants.

If you really want to tell your boss now, I would suggest also proposing a plan for how your work will be covered while you are on maternity leave. This would show commitment, forward thinking and that you are still concerned about the needs of the organization.

[Deleted User] · June 2014

I'm 22 weeks and my boss still doesn't know. He's in another state, though, and we just communicate once a week via conference call, so it's been easy to hide. I'm coming up on my one-year anniversary with the company next month, so I plan to bring it up during what I assume will be my yearly review. After asking for a raise, of course

mb314 · June 2014

I would think that you could hide for the next couple of weeks. With my first, I didn't really show until about 19 or 20 weeks. With my second, I didn't tell my boss I was pregnant until about 16 weeks because I had a hard time getting a meeting with her. Many people don't tell their work until after they are done with the first trimester in weeks 13 - 14, so if you're just 10 weeks, you definitely have time to wait.

If you think the promotion is coming soon, I would wait to tell. But as pp stated, start thinking about how you can assure her that you'll be able to handle the new responsibilities while pregnant and once you return from maternity leave.

Good luck!

Also, FWIW, with my first, I was a month further along than I thought I was at my first prenatal visit. I had mistook implantation bleeding for a period...that could have happened to you.

Michelleashby · June 2014

I wouldn't say anything honestly until everything goes through. This is your right and you should reveal your pregnancy once your ready. It's your decision but in my experience and personal opinion, pregnant woman can be easily discriminated against and if your entitled to a promotion you should get it, regardless if your expecting. My boss knew I was pregnant and gave me a bad review at work when I was doing a good job. I quit and continued to get discriminated against at the new place. Good luck!!!!!