Pregnant police officer - when to tell work?

[JMPB]

Hi,
I am just wondering if there are any other police officers out there who can give advice on when you told work?
I’m only 4 weeks so don’t really want anyone to know yet, but I can’t get it out the back of my mind that something could happen.
I was initially going to tell that after my 7 week scan but this will leave them in the lurch over Xmas and new year as I’m pretty sure as soon as they know I’ll be on desk duty.
Thoughts and advice please 🙏
Thanks!

I would assume there would be some kind of policy of having to tell them early due to the risk involved, have you got an employee handbook or something.
As for leaving them in the lurch - sod that, its not your problem. There's no way you should put yourself at risk due to not wanting to leave them short.
If they haven't got enough people to cover for these things then that is on them (government, whoever..)
Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Hi, I'm a police officer and currently 35 weeks pregnant. I found out at just over 5 weeks and told work the next shift I was in. I work front line and have been assaulted numerous times on the job, so to me it wasn't worth the risk. Everyone guessed as soon as I went restricted, but I'd rather that than be at risk. I made the decision to tell my colleagues to quash the rumours and was put under no pressure by my manager. I got stuck into the paperwork side of things straight away and was much better as a support on shift. I couldn't have trusted myself to put myself in harms way for a colleague knowing I was pregnant and that wouldn't be fair on someone who is relying on me in a potentially dangerous situation. Any baby is precious but it also took us several years to conceive our second so absolutely not worth the risk.

I don't believe you have to tell them any sooner than you would any other job though, so only you can make the decision.

Good luck with your pregnancy.

Also don't worry about 'leaving them in the lurch' it's up to them to ensure manning is sufficient and you need to think of you and your baby. I'm sure there will be plenty of Christmases left in your career, that they will have you working. Enjoy a year off!

HR here. Tell us when your ready but also as the above safety first. No worries on leaving anyone in the lurch. Lots of officers on restricted duties for many reasons. Word spreads fast as you will know, but not always a bad thing. Speak to your supervisor or ER team and come up with a plan! Congratulations x

Thanks for the reply’s.

@Dizzy306 yeah I get what you say about putting yourself in harms way to help a colleague, I didn’t think of that at all. Will definitely have a good think. It’s such a hard decision. Im still in my probation which doesn’t help, but not much I can do now 🤷‍♀️

Also a great time to ask for an attachment and try something new / help out a department. IRT on shift can be tedious.

@Recruit2020 Thankyou for that! I will definitely give it some thought tonight x

I was about 3 weeks pregnant when I told work, felt like I was restricted for ages but didn't want to take the risk. I took a lot of statements 🤣

I'm a prison officer and I told work around 6 weeks. I'm also Type 1 Diabetic so had appointments every other week so it was hard to hide anyway but the whole time I was on the landings knowing I was pregnant, I felt on edge and I think it would have impacted my response to anything that kicked off.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! X

Congratulations 🎉

I would tell your superior ASAP. If they’re up to their job, no-one else needs to know until you’re comfortable with it. Your little one is more important than the job.

Thanks everyone 🥰 I’ve booked a couple of clerical days to get my head around it all, and give myself a bit of time to figure out how I feel about working etc xx