Work and pregnancy

[Cortina89]

I’m 8 weeks pregnant and work in a busy kitchen. I haven’t told my boss yet but I plan to when we come back from Christmas leave.
I’m still in my probation period, and sadly as I don’t seem to click well with several colleagues (including my boss who works alongside us) I worry they may use the pregnancy as a reason to end my employment after the probation.
i am the youngest in a kitchen full of older women, I am often picked at for silly things and hear comments like ‘you don’t even know you’re born’ and ‘I have underwear older than you’. I’m essentially the scapegoat and do a lot of work so they can stand around gossiping.
There is one woman in particular I’m nervous about. She has previously said that she hates pregnant people and finds them gross, how newborn babies are vile and women who have children are lazy scroungers. Since hearing this I’m scared to announce my pregnancy at the risk of being bullied. I know she will make cruel comments, however I’m hoping other women will speak up as they are all mothers, this woman in particular isn’t.
Putting that situation aside, my job involves a lot of heavy carrying, working at height and pushing/pulling heavy equipment. I know I will get a risk assessment and will no longer be suitable to these jobs, but that puts my role at risk as I will only be able to wash up or prepare food as alternatives. My work hours reflect a higher position so doing less work will upset the general balance of the kitchen, some of the women have disabilities and cannot do my jobs for the duration of my pregnancy.
so with these worries in mind can anyone reassure me that I will be legally protected and that they can’t sack me at the end of probation? The tiredness has already hit me so my work has slowed down which they have commented on, I don’t know how I’ll endure another 6 months of this but I can’t afford to quit. Tia

Bump

I just looked it up, and legally you don't have to tell your work until 15 weeks prior to baby being due, so at 25 weeks. Especially if you think it may affect your passing the probationary period.

But use your instinct. If you are not well, or feel unsafe, then let you boss know sooner. You don't have to tell your co-workers. Also keep a close eye on any bullying or discriminating behaviour, and record it in a little diary so you have back up in case of dispute. Mark down who said what, and at what time., with witnesses noted. Much better to tell your boss about specific incidents on exact days, rather than say 'so and so is mean to me!' without details.

Thanks, I’d prefer to tell them earlier so I don’t have to carry heavy things, I’ll also be protected from discrimination immediately. I know it will be hell on earth and I don’t want it to affect my pregnancy.