To tell or not to tell (pregnancy)

[spookysoul]

I returned to work from mat leave 3 days a week a month ago. I’m pregnant again, due in June.
While I was on mat leave, my colleague G took over most of my job, with a few smaller bits falling to one other colleague (the admin type stuff). G really struggled, has been very stressed, no one was happy with his performance and they were all desperate for me to come back.
He’s requested to go 3 days a week starting from Jan now that his workload is more manageable. So now I feel terrible that I’m fucking off on maternity leave again!
I don’t need to tell my manager I’m pregnant until Feb. But by then G will be part time, everyone will be happy with the way things are, and then I come along and throw an absolute spanner in the works, because there’s no way my job can be done by G again plus his own job if he’s only there 3 days.
I’m thinking I might have to tell my manager by the end of this month before any decisions get made about G, it would potentially mean my manager has to say no to G going part time. I know G would be really pissed off. But it would cause less last-minute issues.
Hiring someone new to cover my mat leave was not even broached as an option the first time round, I don’t know if they’d consider it this time. It would take the pressure off G, but it would require a lot of training. Potentially more hassle than it’s worth.
I didn’t really want to tell my manager yet but I don’t know what to do!

If G was no good at your role then they shouldn't expect him to do it again whilst you're off. They need to find another solution. Did you come back to an absolute mess? If so, I would let G go part time so then they really can't ask him to cover you!
Don't tell your boss until you're ready to. You don't need to.

I'd wait otherwise you're screwing over someone who you know is struggling.

I'd wait, he's obviously struggling so let him go part time then they can get someone else to cover you.

I agree with the above. Wait. Let him go part time. It'll be your employers problem to sort out. Congratulations!!

Good point made, thanks guys

How would you feel if you had asked for three days a week and then someone who's workload you had been struggling to manage alongside your own (blame that on your/his manager) for months came along and decided to screw that up for you?
It's not your fault he didn't manage so well, but equally it's not your place to decide how your employer will manage your workload during your upcoming maternity leave.

You don't know why he's struggling, maybe he needs to work less to cope with life. What if your plan to 'help' manage the workload means he is off sick long term with stress, or leaves altogether? It isn't your job to manage this, so don't.

Tell your employer when you would have told them. You sound like a decent person to even be thinking of him, so don't screw him over unnecessarily, however pure your motives are.

@Throwntothewolves I know what you’re saying but I’m not trying to screw anyone over. I’m trying to make it easier for everyone involved. I genuinely couldn’t decide which option would cause the least issues- I know that either way there’s going to be some things that need working out. But all the commenters I’ve had on this post have said the same thing and now I’ve read it I totally agree, waiting is the best option.

I didn't mean to come across so harshly, but I think you're trying to find a solution to a problem that isn't yours to solve. I know going on maternity leave can make people feel guilty and responsible for the extra work it may cause their colleagues, but let the managers manage and stop worrying.
I hope your colleague gets his part time hours request agreed so he feels less stressed. The best thing you can do is enjoy your pregnancy and only tell your employer when you would normally have planned to do so.

@Throwntothewolves it’s ok I was just hoping it wasn’t coming across like I didn’t care! It does make me feel guilty but it shouldn’t, you’re right. I’ll stick with the original plan.