Telling Work

[jolies1]

I started a new job a few months ago and after a few years of unsuccessful efforts and deciding to have a break from trying as it’s been so tough - surprise … I’m pregnant! I know legally there are protections in place etc but I’m getting myself really anxious about how to tell work - any tips on how to start the conversation? My manager works in a different office than me so can’t do in person either unfortunately.

Hi @jolies1
Congratulations on your pregnancy!!
Honestly hun your manager will be so happy for you! I started the conversation with, soooo i have some news, i'm pregnant!! x

Just take a deep breath and tell your manager. Whilst sometimes it’s good to wait, it’s also good to tell them sooner so that you can book your midwife/scan appointments and if you’re off sick they can’t discriminate.

Perhaps email her first before a video call so that she’s prepared, as she’ll probably want to ask questions about due date, how you’re feeling etc. And she’ll need to do a risk assessment with you too.

"Hi boss, can we schedule a meeting to run through risk assessments? I also need the eleventy-th of Nocember off for a medical appointment, can we meet/discuss/zoom before then? Thanks, Jolies"

I would first decide if you want to tell them now
or later, you don’t legally have to tell them until 25 weeks. I told my manager at 8 weeks because I felt so awful and took some time off. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have told them until it was obvious. For me it
would depend on my relationship with my manager, and how the company in general deals with women on maternity leave. I work for a huge company with very robust HR processes which made me feel more comfortable sharing. I’ve also worked here for over 6 years!

If you decide to tell them I would wait until you have a catch up or 1 to 1, then just say I have some news, which is I’m pregnant, so I’m going to need time off for xyz. Hopefully they won’t bat an eyelid, they might not be thrilled/excited (especially if a man like you manager) but hopefully will just be professional about it!