Work travel/ ZIKA/ TTC

[ThePlumGuide]

Hi everyone, my husband and I are trying to conceive this year. My work sometimes requires me to travel to countries where there is ZIKA (& various other viruses that would be problematic if pregnant). Just need a sense check that I’m not being unreasonable to decline these trips? I would prefer not to share that we are TTC but I am wondering it it’s better to be transparent with work or if there’s a more subtle way of declining

Your prospects at work shouldn’t suffer if you’re TTC, but they might. What’s the impact of declining these trips? Are there others you can do so it’s perceived you’re pulling your weight in your team?

If international trips are part of your defined role, I don't think you can say no without reason. When you are pregnant, the company needs to make reasonable adjustments but I'm not sure they are if you are TTC. I think your best option is to be open and honest with them. Depending on your employment terms, it may be considered to breach of contract if you are unwilling to fulfil your role.