How to keep it quiet in a workplace where pregnancy affects what you can do?

[cowbiscuits]

So I got my bfp last week and less than 24h later a bunch of people at work knew...

I work in healthcare and there are certain patients/situations you have to avoid if pregnant, such as flu, certain drugs that can be harmful, XRays etc.

So straight away, I was allocated a patient I couldn't look after. So I had to ask the guy in charge for a "quiet word" then of course the person who I'm swapping with knows, and half the team are asking her questions. Though she denied knowing anything.

I don't really care if people suspect, as long as nobody says anything. It is just too early!

Anyone else experienced anything similar?

[squizita]

Yep.
Other way round with me ... I had just confidentially told people who 'need to know'. One of them didn't feel like giving 1st aid to a kid who was flu-ey (doesn't like kids, dunno why she works with them) sent them all round the building with a fever looking for me. They were sick right near me.
I then had to go and inform the relevant people so everyone worked it out, why else would I look freaked out then go speak to the HR medical bods.

[kittenmamma]

Im worried about this, I work in a wetherspoons pub, which means there is a lot of stuff I won't be able to do. I've just found out though my dates will put me at 9 weeks (tested negative my first missed period). The boss needs to know but I don't want anyone else to. Although, I'm blowing up like a balloon, can only just get my jeans shut so I'm sure people will notice soon!

[shakemysilliesout]

I work in science lab so told my boss - duties changed and a few ppl clocked on but it was worth it to not do risky jobs. Hated work knowing before family though so told my mum

[FlossyMoo]

I was pregnant when doing a similar job OP.
I asked my boss if it was ok if I told people my change in duties was due to back pain. It pretty much covered all the M & H plus not working with difficult clients as with 'back pain' I was unable to do NVCI (physical restraint) safely.

Congratulations too

[2LittleFishes]

I work in a lab and when pregnant my role completely changes due to chemicals ect that I can't be exposed to.

I'm pretty sure 90% of my work colleagues knew for both my pregnancies but didn't say anything to me. I'd only officially told my lab manager and big boss. I think most people will guess but in my experience wont comment until you do first

Congrats

[happypotamus]

Yes, my job was the same. Everyone at work pretty much found out as soon as I knew. Every shift I ended up with a patient who needed a x-ray (which doesn't happen when I'm not pregnant). It is weird that all my colleagues knew before my family did and worrying in case something went wrong, but there wasn't really a choice.

[QueenCardigan]

I've always had to let people know too as worked with cytotoxic chemotherapy. It didn't really bother me that people knew as if I miscarried I'd be off work for a while anyway. I think if it affects the work you do you have a duty to tell your manager straight away so that they can do the necessary risk assessment.

[LadesC]

Cowbiscuits I work in healthcare too and it already feels like the number of people im havin to tell is getting out of control. Had to blab so didnt have to deal with a shingles patient and then to several more people as didnt want to be in theatre etc when there are xrays. Am considering telling work pretty soon particularly as they are making me make up my 'drs ' appts and after being with midwife today and then havin a home visit with her in a couple of weeks it ends up being a fair amount of time to make up. If I come clean I am entitled to antenatal care in work time.

[Noyoucantwatchpeppapig]

I worked in X-ray during my first pregnancy but I had a senior role so manipulated the rota a little. Usually if you tell the right person they will help you.
Also for anyone that works in healthcare, being in an X-ray department behind the lead screen in the xray room is not dangerous.