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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Telling work, I think it's going to be bad

12 replies

Sunflower1985 · 14/01/2013 17:34

Hello,

I was not planning on telling work until after my 12 week scan (I'm 11 weeks), but now my manager has arranged a meeting to discuss the next year of projects and will be assigning everyone tasks to start in June.

So I'm going to be throwing a spanner in the works. Because of the nature of my job I can't do these projects pregnant. So even before I go on leave I'm going to be a dead weight. Also they can't get anyone in to cover. So the rest of the team will have to do all of my work too. It's not a big team, pretty close knit and unfortunately all men bar me. They're going to be so annoyed and I'm scared about the atmosphere it will create once I tell them.

I'm really worried. Should I wait until I have to tell them, or get it over with now. What to do???????

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SweepTheHalls · 14/01/2013 17:37

I've ended up telling work before pretty much anyone else for the same reason! I would just feel guilty that they are long term planning with me on the timetables. It has made life much easier. Good luck and congratulations

IceNoSlice · 14/01/2013 17:41

Good luck, I hope it's not as bad as you fear. I told my bosses (but not the team) at 8 weeks because I didn't want them to think I was slacking in the mornings as I had pretty nasty morning sickness, plus I wanted to avoid excessive travel (our team take assignments all over the country and overseas too). My main boss was actually great and seemed excited for me rather than annoyed which was ace! It may not be as bad as you think.

Gintonic · 14/01/2013 17:46

Tricky, I think it is entirely reasonable to wait until after your 12 week scan, would it really make much difference to his planning to wait another week or two?

What is your relationship with your boss like - could you tell him in confidence that you are waiting to have it confirmed by your scan?

Is it a big organisation? Or could this be the first time they have had to deal with pregnancy and maternity leave?

Sorry, more questions than answers there! But remember you have legal protection, don't feel too guilty, your child will be keeping the country going when your boss is retired!

dilbertina · 14/01/2013 17:51

I was really worried about telling my boss...it really was fine (even the 2nd and 3rd time!) - he congratulated me and everything, if I hadn't heard him banging his head on the desk as I left the room I would have thought he was genuinely pleased! Tell them now, I bet it won't be as bad as you think!

curlyclaz13 · 14/01/2013 18:01

I was so worried, very small business and I am the only person actually doing 'my job' told the boss and she just congratulated me. so far so good.

mylittlemonkey · 14/01/2013 19:20

I would just tell your boss and get it over with. If you don't want the rest of the team to know until after your scan ask your boss to say nothing until aft the scan. I did this and boss appreciated being told in advance so could try and plan around it. I am pretty sure my boss was not v pleased about the news but even if that is the case with your boss it is unlikely they would voice this to you and most will congratulate you even if it means things having to be rearranged.

TwitchyTail · 14/01/2013 19:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Emsyboo · 14/01/2013 19:35

I think you should tell your boss in confidence for planning but tell him you want to wait for the scan to tell the team. As a business owner I would appreciate the heads up especially if things are being planned around you for upcoming projects. I'm sure your boss will be happy for you but if they are like me they will be stressed about maternity leave and cover - I am worried about it and it is for me so it is only natural.
How big is the company? Do they have a maternity leave policy? We are small so I am only giving myself smp which will be hard but need to keep the business going and pay another salary I will also get a quarterly dividend so not too bad.
Good luck Hun!

Original poster

Sunflower1985 · 14/01/2013 20:49

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to have to be brave, I think.
It is a big company, their policy is good and well established, but my department is 98% men, so they don't have to deal with it often. I've known two women to be pregnant since I started and they had to be excluded from the building, because of safety concerns. So everybody knows!

Hey ho, it'll all be worth it.

OP posts:

Emsyboo · 14/01/2013 20:53

Let us know how you get on I'm sure they will be great with you good luck x

EwokStorageUnit · 14/01/2013 22:09

I had to tell my boss early because I was struggling with travel, morning sickness and tiredness.

I'm still waiting to have first MW appointment and 12 week scan, but he's been fab. I'm the only woman in my team and he's discretely trying to rearrange workloads etc to make it so that I don't have to do as much travelling, but understands that I don' t want it spread around the department yet.

My boss has been a gem, I think you should go for it and 'fess up. You'll feel better and your boss might surprise you.

Good luck and congratulations!!

floatyjosmum · 15/01/2013 07:36

I told my boss on my first day in her team. I was dreading it but she was really lovely about it. I had a whole speech about not being off long etc but tbh she really didn't seem bothered by it. They've all been really supportive about it even when I sit at my desk trying not to vomit!

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