Telling work you are pregnant

[Vic93]

Hi hoping for some advice.
I've recently found out I'm pregnant and waiting for my first appointment with the midwife but that is not for another 3 weeks. I think I'm around 7 and a half weeks at the moment so thought it would be before this. I was going to wait to tell work until a bit later on, as I've only recently started the job, but I feel like I need to tell them sooner as it involves heavy lifting and my morning sickness is starting to act up during the day. The slightest smell has me dashing to the toilet.
So my question is, is it ok to tell them this early or do I need the proof certificate I've read about online straight away? Can they kick up a fuss because I haven't been there long?
Any thoughts would be appreciated

Tell them soon if you need to change the way you work. They have a duty of care and should do a risk assessment for you.

I found out the Friday before the Monday I started a new job, I've been having issues so I just told them. They're okay about it tbh not much they can do really. Congratulations

It's fine to tell them this early, and if you need adjustments to your role/morning sickness is impacting you at work I personally would tell them sooner rather than later. I told work when I was about 6 weeks because I was having to go to the bathroom so often and didn't want them to think I was skiving. They probably can ask for proof if they wanted, but I've never been asked and in 3 different jobs for my 3 pregnancies. Think it would be unusual for them to ask for proof at this stage, you don't need to wait until you get your matb1 before you tell them. They can't kick up a fuss because you're pregnant, because it would be discrimination. Congrats x

You don't get certificates until after 20 weeks and it might be a bit obvious by then! I told my work at 5 weeks as high risk and would need lots of scans/appointments.

If you need modifications to your role then tell them sooner, so they can get on with doing your risk assessment. Heavy lifting in and of itself isn't dangerous during pregnancy, as long as you're used to doing it and have safe technique, but the sickness can hamper you at work.

I had only just started a new job when I found out, I'd been there a month when I had my BFP, and decided to wait until 12 weeks for two reasons; I'd had two first trimester miscarriages before this pregnancy, and my probation ended the week I hit 12 weeks. Although I don't think my employer would've been snake enough to terminate my employment because of it, there's always that minuscule chance that maybe he would have and no reason needed if still on probation so couldn't claim discrimination then.

Tell them sooner rather than later, as it looks like you'll need to make some adjustments to your working environment.

You'll get a MATB1 certificate to hand into work after your 20 week scan, but as far as I know, this is more for the HR/payroll/maternity leave side of things. Most people would've told their manager or supervisor before then.

Hi ladies,

Sorry to jump on this thread. I’ve told my manager I am pregnant and I had my anxieties of telling him with some previous comments he has made. I’ve told him earlier than 12 weeks, due to my work and it consist of some travel. I recently travelled and my anxieties were through the roof.

Anyway, I told him and I got the look of pure annoyance like I have just really affected him. And questions such as “what’s my plans after I give birth, am I coming back to work” “you need to travel more before you get to big and get things done”.

I know this is not ok! I feel pressured and very uncomfortable.

I wrote to my GP for support as someone mentioned on another thread that the doctor can sign you off from travel etc.

Anyway, your thoughts are welcome. I don’t need this stress right now and feel quite sick by it all.

I ensured I had family legal insurance before I told anyone. I had a suspicion my employer wouldn't be nice about it, although I'd worked for them for years.

I told my manager and confirmed by email immediately (which I copied in to my sister so I had proof of time & date).

I was right to worry, they 'made me redundant' first morning back after maternity leave. If they decide to discriminate against you, you will need legal cover because there is no legal aid.

@MintJulia can you confirm where you are from. I’m in the UK and there are various laws in place to protect pregnant women.

I appreciate your feedback/comments.

@Rachel013 In England.

There are laws but unless you can afford a solicitor or belong to a union,, there is no legal aid and employers know that.

And most women, having just been on maternity leave, cannot afford legal assistance. Hence the need for family legal insurance BEFORE you announce your pregnancy.