When to tell work?

[MrsMP123]

Just found out I am nearly 6 weeks pregnant with my first child and wondered when I should be letting my employer know? We've only told my parents and my parents-in-law so far and not planning on telling anyone else just yet.

You don't have to tell them until 15 weeks before the baby is due, by law.

I told mine at 10 weeks because its a small business and it seemed like a good time, but don't feel pressured to tell them before you are ready.

What job do you do? If it's anything involving chemicals, going up ladders or lifting then tell them sooner rather than later so they can do a risk assessment. Also if you get lots of morning sickness or need to take time off for appointments it might help to have some understanding from them. You could tell just your manager/hr if you don't want everyone to know but I think you don't HAVE to tell them until you're 20 weeks. Congratulations!

I work as an accounts manager in an office for a small company. There are only 4 of us in the office. They rely on me a lot and I know that they are going to panic as soon as I tell them the news! I think the earlier I tell them the better for them but just worried it may be too early to break the news??

@MrsMP123

Dob't tell them too early if it doesn't feel right! You are well within your rights to keep it a secret at this early stage. A lot of people wait for the 12 week scan/screening to be safe.

I can't wait to tell people! Trying to be sensible and wait until the first scan although I may need to tell them before then as I will need the time off work.

@MrsMP123 Understandable! the hardest thing for me was the not telling anyone bit. I found it helpful to have 1 person that knew that I could speak to about it.

I had the same dilemma with my job, in the end I just lied and said I was ill that day, was good because I got the whole day off which I kind of needed as was walking on air after the scan :)

Just balance it with the fact that any protection you get from being pregnant, only kicks in once you've notified your employer. I told my manager in confidence, and no one else until after 12 weeks

I told my manager (and the colleague I work with the closest) at 8 weeks. This was because another colleague in my area had requested annual leave for the day of my midwife appointment and I knew they would therefore say no to me! I didn't feel comfortable lying about being ill so I just was honest.
I've found it helpful and knowing there are a couple of people aware is helpful .

My advise is to tell your manager as soon as possible or at least HR. You don't have to tell your colleagues until you are ready.

My reason being is you are more protected once they know. I am speaking from experience. I was made redundant whilst pregnant but wasn't protected as I hadn't told them.

First baby I told work after 12 week scan

This pregnancy I told my line manager at 6 weeks because I could barely function and obviously looked like death warmed up

I work in the public sector though wasn't too concerned-they're pretty understanding