New at the job..How do I tell my supervisor that I'm pregnant?

Question

I started this job about 4 months ago. I'm still in my probabtion period, by the time I'm officially permanent I'll already be 8 months pregnant. Right now i'm 5 wks pregnant but found out I was pregnant about 1 1/2 wekks ago. I'm afraid that it's not going to look good for me at work if I tell my boss that I'm pregnant, but obviously I have to. Can anybody tell me what my rights are for work, especially since I'm new & on probabtion still, and also how should I approach my supervisor and what are some suggestions that I can say to her?

Answer 1

ha! I am laughing at all those who say you can't get fired for being pregnant. No, you can't legally fired for being pregnant, but do you know how many people I know who were fired toward the end of their pregnancies for other bs complaints? They CAN fire you because "It's not working out" or something equally as stupid and since you are on probation, you are very susceptible to it.

How to deal? Ask another co-worker who had a baby while there what kind of attitudes your boss has with pregnant women. Ask for any advice she may have for you. Work your butt off to show that you are a good worker, and don't use your pregnancy as an excuse for ANYTHING. I think it is better to be up front with your boss, though, rather than try to hide it until you are obviously showing (as in, you are 6 or 7 months pg. I agree about waiting until the 2nd trimester). Say something like "I am pregnant, still want to do a good job, will continue to work hard, and hope that you understand that my pregnancy will not get in the way of me doing my job." But be honest. Bosses appreciate honesty.
Good luck! I feel your pain!

Answer 2

Hi, i agree with others and I would NOT tell your supervisor or co-workers right away about your pregnancy. The only exception to this is if you work in an enviroment (chemicals, heavy lifting, etc) that could pose a danger to your pregnancy.
I really don't want to be so negative, but i have to share with you that my dh and I told everyone the very day we found out we were pregnant. Well, unfortunately, I had a miscarriage at 12 wks. Not only was it personally devestating, but then we had to tell everyone about the miscarriage- and you would not believe the cruel and insensitive things people say in reaction to a miscarriage.
We have decided that should we get pregnant again, we will not tell anyone until I am already starting to show and will just HAVE TO tell everyone.
(I actually thought that the more ppl who knew about my pg, the more ppl would be there to support me if something went wrong- boy was I mistaken!! Ppl just don't get it when it comes to miscarriage and all of that on top of the loss of the baby was awful. If I have to go through miscarriage again- a lot of ppl will never even know so I don't have to put up with their stupid comments and I can mourn my baby in peace.)
I really hope the best for you and your baby, but I would rather see you protect your privacy on the matter as long as possible than have to deal with what I've dealt with.
-Meg

Answer 3

I don't know what the rules are since you are on your probation period. I believe the laws are in place for those people who have been on the job for at least 1 year. However, most employers are more than willing to work with you, if you take time to explain how you see yourself fitting into the company after the baby is born.

However, you are only 5.5 weeks. I would wait to tell the boss until after the first trimester. You want to give them time to find a sub for your maternity leave, but you don't want to tell too early (unless you are having morning sickness that affects your work...then you should tell right away). If you can hold off on waiting, you can get an idea of what your boss's position towards pregnancy is, and that would give you a better idea on how to approach her.

http://www.babycenter.com has some articles on how to tell your boss, and might even have some sources for what your rights are. They are also a great source of pregnancy information in general. I really encourage you to check it out!

Answer 4

If you plan on telling your boss, it's generally a good idea to wait until your 2nd trimester. You'll start showing around that time anyway. You technically don't have to disclose that you're pregnant, but if you're in a job that would require physical work or put you in a dangerous position for your unborn baby (x-ray machines, heavy lifting, etc.) you may want to bring in a medical excuse to avoid doing these tasks. As far as your rights go, your best bet is to check the laws in your area, for both working while pregnant and your maternity leave and return to work. It's best to remain assertive in the well-being of your pregnancy but be candid with your boss if s/he asks about your pregnancy. S/He cannot hold your pregnancy against you as grounds for termination.

Answer 5

In any case I suggest waiting until you are 12 weeks along before informing your supervisor - unless there are any concerns that you cannot perform you job duties... While your supervisor may not be supportive she cannot discriminate against you due to your pregnancy. Congratulations! And try to focus on what's most important! If this job doesn't manifest the way you had hoped perhaps it's because there's something much better waiting for you! Check the website I've listed for more specific answers to what is required of your employer - it may vary depending on the size of the organization - and what you need to do to ensure your rights! In most cases you are entitled to 12 weeks of leave (this is unpaid) where they cannot strip you of your job... And check that employee handbook! Best wishes!

Answer 6

take your time. right now focus on your work responsibilities so that your boss can see you as a valuable asset. See if you can work out a way to work from home once the baby is born.... maby after a week or two. until your maternity leave is up.(show your boss that you plan on returning) as far as telling your boss.... wait until the last possible moment. I had to tell my boss when I was only 3 months with my third... ( I was starting to show) I would wait until then. or at the latest 6 months. let your employer have a chance to get a plan of action to take when you are gone.

Answer 7

In my opinion personally don't think they can terminate your employment because you are pregnant, nope, don't think so. You would want to tell them that you are pregnant because if you get morning sickness (which isn't restricted to mornings) you might get sick at work. Honesty is the best policy, just tell them that You are Pregnant, and you don't feel that it's going impact your ability to work. If its a complicated pregnancy its better to have them know from the get-go that way they can help you and if available work around it. Its a great thing that's happening, don't let work stress you out, just be honest and expect the best.
I read some more about this before posting and I think that this link will help you get the information you need:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy_discrimination

Answer 8

Tell your boss after the first trimester. You can say you were waiting till you knew everything was OK before telling anyone. Besides they can't fire you for being pregnant. And you are allowed at least 12 weeks maternity leave(if not more).

It is obviously something that was not planned to disrupt work and they cannot fire you over getting pregnant (discrimination).

You just have to be able to perform your work duties satisfactorily.

Answer 9

A face-to-face meeting shows the most respect for your superior. A good way to approach it and indicate that you plan on working is to say you look forward to pregnancy and motherhood as another learning experience, and you look forward to your new challenge of balancing the joys of motherhood and your career.

Look into your employer's policy on FMLA to know for sure how much time you will be able to take off both during your pregnancy and after delivery.

Congratulations and good luck!

Answer 10

Wait until you are 3-4 mos, then share the good news.

It is all in the presentation, if you share this like its the best thing that has happen to you. You co-Workers will also treat it like it is the best thing that has happen to you.