Being unexpectedly pregnant can be a difficult and stressful experience when you’re trying to balance your job, your health and the well-being of your growing family. But when should you tell your boss that you are expecting?
The answer may depend on where you work and how far along in pregnancy you are when the news comes out. As an expectant mother, it is important to understand when is the right time to inform your employer so that they can help support a safe workplace for both yourself and baby.
I Just Found Out I’m Pregnant — What Now?
If you’ve only just found out that you’re pregnant, it is important to take a few steps before informing your employer of the news. As soon as possible, visit your health care professional and discuss any potential risks or concerns. You can also get advice when it comes time to inform your employer.
When Should I Tell My Boss?
Generally speaking, it is recommended to tell your employer when you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy. By this point, you and your healthcare provider have a better idea about the health of your baby and any potential risks or concerns associated with the pregnancy. Additionally, informing your boss at 12 weeks also gives them enough time to plan ahead for when you take maternity leave.
When telling your boss, the focus should be on what plans you have in place when it comes to taking time off and when you will return back to work. Additionally, you may choose to share any health issues that could affect your job performance while pregnant — although other complications or issues may not be known until later in pregnancy.
Keep Things Professional
It is important to know that you have the choice to keep the conversation focused solely on the facts. Your employer does not have to be informed of all the details about where and when you found out the news, or when your due date is — this information can be addressed when necessary and when it becomes relevant. Your privacy matters.
If you are worried about how your boss will react when you tell them, try writing it down in an email or letter beforehand. This will help keep the conversation professional when it is time to break the news.
Planning For The Next Months
After you tell your employer, it is important to make sure you have a plan of action when it comes to taking time off and when you will return back to work when the time comes. You should also ensure that your job is safe when returning back after maternity leave.
Your boss will appreciate what your plans are for the short and long term when it comes to taking maternity leave and when you plan on returning back. Make sure that your expectations are stated clearly in the discussion when informing your employer of the news, so there is no confusion when it comes time to take leave.
Preparing For Maternity Leave
You might be worried about taking maternity leave when you have a job to come back to. Make sure that when discussing the news of your pregnancy with your employer, you have a plan of when and how often you will check-in while on leave. This way, when it comes time to return to work, it will be a smooth transition back into the workplace.
If You Fear Discrimination
Unfortunately, there is still a risk of discrimination when it comes to pregnant women in the workplace. If you feel scared that your job security could be at risk when informing your boss that you are expecting, check with an employment attorney first to clarify any legal rights or protections you may have.
Finding Valuable Help When You Need It The Most
It is important to remember when you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy that you have resources to help ease your anxiety when it comes to the workplace. The Texas Adoption Center has many resources and services available for pregnant women, to help them when it comes to making decisions when it comes to their pregnancy.
If you feel that you are not ready for motherhood, the Texas Adoption Center is here to help. We have a caring team of professionals to help guide you through the adoption process and make sure that your child is placed in a loving home when it’s time.
We understand that when facing an unexpected pregnancy, informing your workplace can be scary. Having the right information and support when informing your boss about the news can help ease some of this anxiety.
The Texas Adoption Center is here when you need us most when it comes to making decisions about your unintended pregnancy. We are here for you every step of the way and will be there when it comes time for the adoptive placement if you decide that this is the best option for you and your child.
