When to tell employer that I'm pregnant?

[Anonymous]

I work I in a high-pressure office environment with mostly men and I am the only one who currrently has a child. I am now pregnant with number two and I am stressed about telling my supervisor, or really anyone, the news. I have only been working here for around six months but there is a certain level of bewilderment when I mention my child. How do I approach this in a positive way to my colleagues and supervisor? And what week do people usually tell work?

[Anonymous]

With my first I waited until I felt like I couldn't hide it anymore, so 18 weeks. Currently thinking about this again now with #2. I'll probably tell my female boss, who has two relatively young kids, before I tell the big boss or give her the OK to tell him. Probably not until I can't hide it anymore, but that'll probably be earlier than 18 weeks given it's not my first pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

I didn't tell anyone until it was unavoidable, but I also hate the fuss and comments that tended to come with being pregnant.

Check your HR documents to see if there is any sort of notice period you have to give re your FMLA leave (if applicable).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With my first I waited until I felt like I couldn't hide it anymore, so 18 weeks. Currently thinking about this again now with #2. I'll probably tell my female boss, who has two relatively young kids, before I tell the big boss or give her the OK to tell him. Probably not until I can't hide it anymore, but that'll probably be earlier than 18 weeks given it's not my first pregnancy.

+1

And when you do reveal the pregnancy be assertive with your game plan before they can even ambush with your questions. Think about doing it on a Friday afternoon, after lunch or so, when people are feeling upbeat. Plus, you'll have a natural out when you leave within a few hours to go home for the weekend (and over the weekend they can process your pregnancy and the impact on your/others' job(s) and it won't be so "novel" come Monday when you see them again.

[Anonymous]

I told at 24 weeks and worked until I was in labor.

[Anonymous]

Barring a notification requirement, I don't think you have to explain it to anyone until you decide you're ready, even if you're showing. And I see no benefit to revealing early given what you described. I do agree with the PP who said you should come prepared with a suggested game plan. You might also help your employer think through a coverage/transition plan for when you anticipate being out. You know your work and the time/skills needed to get it done better than anyone. The key is to show you are considering the company's needs while making sure your own wants and needs are covered.

[Anonymous]

after week 20 appt.
thats when you'll need the mat wardrobe.

[Anonymous]

later the better. 40 weeks is a long time to have co-workers up in your business, jones'ing to take your accounts, or plotting what they'll do while you're out.

[Anonymous]

I went in there with a list of my current work status and pipeline of projects. ultimately 12 weeks leave is a drop in the bucket to be out for a long term job.
told week 24 or something. was wearing long scarves a couple weeks before that.