Pregnant in probationary period - what to do?

[Orbit1]

Hi everyone,

I've started a new job three weeks ago, which I really like.

On Monday I found out I was pregnant. I'm about 5 weeks along.

Obviously, I'm delighted, as we really want a second child and I had an early miscarriage in February.

I know I won't be entitled to statutory maternity pay.

I'm really worried though that work won't take it kindly and will let me go in my probationary period because of that. Of course, they wouldn't say it's because of my pregnancy, but would come up with other stuff.

So my question is, when would you tell your managers about your pregnancy if you were in my situation?

My probationary meeting will be at the end of December.

My job is a full-time working from home position, but I probably have to attend a social event with work in London in September.

Are you 26 weeks pregnant before then end of your probationary period? That’s the point you have to inform your work that you want to take maternity leave.

My baby is due on March 22nd, so I have to tell my employer by December 7th about my pregnancy @Tibtab

My probationary meeting will be at the end of December. Bad timing! :(

I'd tell them as late as possible, I'd also keep copies or make notes of any supervisions/one to ones, keep emails you have relating to good performance throughout probation period as if they are all positive it would be hard to turn around to say you've not met expectations.

Congratulations on your pregnancy too!

I would personally tell them at 12 weeks. I would just want to get it done. I might be wrong but I think (hope) employers generally wouldn't and can't discriminate.

Congratulations!

Tell them when you feel ready to. Don't let the worry about telling them spoil your happiness about being pregnant. After all, employers do have to expect that pregnancy can happen.

@Dollhousedoor

Thank you. Problem is that a lot of our one-to-ones are over zoom and not in writing.

There's no reason why you can't provide a summary of your zoom meetings to your manager. That way you will be able to include how you are meeting expectations etc and demonstrate you are good in your job