Telling work your pregnant dilemma

[Cat03]

Hi, I'm 23 weeks pregnant and still haven't told work, originally to do with some worries and lack of exact dates and then it just has turned into anxiety about how late I've left it so putting it off further and also finding it really hard to get a chance to speak to my manager in private. I was all set to stay behind and ask for a chat two weeks ago as my partner had booked time off so I didn't need to rush back to pick my son up but she had gone on two weeks annual leave starting that day 😔 she came back today but has been so busy I had no chance. I'm now not in until next Tuesday (well I'm in at the weekend but none of the managers will be) so my question is do you think it'll be OK if I ring her first thing tomorrow and tell her and ask if she wants me to bring in my matb1 form at some point this week? Or should I really leave it now and tell her face to face on Tuesday? Thanks for any opinions in advance x

[TealGreenBalloons]

I think the most important thing is that you definitely get it done officially (ie in writing if needed, make sure HR are informed) by the legal deadline which I think is 25 weeks, otherwise you risk not getting maternity pay and maybe other benefits.

[Cat03]

Hiya thanks for replying, yes this is what I'm worried about, I'll be cutting it really fine leaving it until next week but are they going to think badly of me for phoning and not originally telling them face to face 😩

[Ladylondon007]

I agree you need to make sure you protect your rights. I told work I was pregnant and it is incredible how differently they treat you. I was not granted promotion as this was due when I was going on maternity and when I took it up with my boss after returning from maternity he said “well we wouldn’t promote you if you were going on maternity leave” I knew this and spent most of my maternity leave in tears feeling rubbish when I have two degrees and was bloody good at my job. I dealt with this by returning 3 days a week.. which they allowed and thought if you don’t value me I will enjoy your policy of a 3 day week, spend time with my beautiful child and enjoy life... more holidays. Since returning they have now promoted people I trained above me. Luckily I chose a good husband who is successful, I just feel awful for women generally in this male dominated world. They don’t tell you the discrimination you will face being a woman at school or university and I don’t think this will change

[Ladylondon007]

Sorry this was a bit of a rant but companies turn, despite the fact you deliver profit and bust a gut for them. You must protect yourself and your rights. If

[Ladylondon007]

Ps being a mummy is the best thing in the world, please don’t be anxious and never let work affect your health it’s really not worth it. I wish you all the best with your pregnancy. My daughter is now two and I cannot tell you how much joy she brings us every day, a blessing xx