Newly pregnant, what do I tell work

[pushmepullme]

Massive apologies if I am asking really dumb questions that have been asked before but I am not sure what to do RE informing work.

I am 4 weeks pregnant and am hoping it's a sticky one.

I work in a library (not a public one) and this involves a lot of getting up onto Kickstools, reaching up high, bending down low. It can also involve carrying several items from one place to another to re-file them. On top of that I occassionally need to climb high on ladders and pull open big filing cabinet drawers.

I don't really want to go public to anyone about the pregnancy at least not for another few weeks but neither do I want to risk damaging myself or the baby. I work closely with one other person (Who I don't want to tell) and fairly close to two thers (Don't want to tell them either)...

Should I inform my boss this early, or the H&S dept? Or should I try to wing it as much as I can and take things gently for the next few weeks? I have an early scan on June 5th when I will be around 7.5 weeks.

ps... if I do tell my boss then I am assuning she would have to tell my work mate? I am trying to avoid that ...

Could you complain of a bad back? or shoulder or something?

Given that your job involves possibly risky activities, I would tell H&S but also tell them that you do not want anyone else to know. IME, they can tell your boss about the limitations on you without having to tell your boss why (though they will probably try to convince you to tell your boss).

There is, however, absolutely no need for your workmate to be told if you do not want it (though she may guess ).

If you tell your boss and ask her to keep it quiet she can't say anything to your co-workers and then you can tell them you have a bit of a bad back.

trouble is, I will need to set up this lie about my back in advance of telling my boss as I work so closely with my workmate she will find it really odd if our boss suddenly starts changing the way we work.

Maybe it's best for me to just naturally limit what I do and see how it goes?

None of what you describe sounds particularly risky for a pregnant woman - in theory (unless there are problems with the pg) you should be able to carry on as normal. Many pregnant women carry hulking great toddlers around with no ill-effects. the baby is pretty well protected especially in the early stages so reaching and bending should cause no problems and I would assume there are limits on the amount you are supposed to lift/carry anyway for Health and Safety reasons.

I wouldn't worry too much if I were you - just take it as easy as you can without anyone noticing and don't don't exert yourself in a way that you wouldn't normally do.

thanks mrsBoogie, I think I panicked when I looked at the Health and safety form

I'd agree that unless you are moving furniture or dead bodies you should be fine! Health and safety bods are only so concious to avoid any risk of liability. Lots of women don't find out till much much later and carry on regardless. Whatever you feel comfortable with really.

I always ask myself what would my nan do? LOL she was a very no nonsense northern lady.

I told work around 12 weeks but wish I could've put it off even longer, for some reason I stopped being me and just became this pregnant lady. I miss convo's about sex drugs and rock and roll....

Congratulations hun x x x x

thanks Staylucky.

I sound like I am being really precious when really I am very much a 'get stuck in' kind of girl and one of the reasons I don't want my work mate in particular to know is that I know she'll be over cautious and make me sit on my chair for 9 months.

I think I'll just avoid heavy lifting until 10-12 weeks and then tell my boss.

its a difficult one i know, i am 5 weeks with my 1st. I am an intensive care nurse and do a lot of manual handling and was petrified rolling patients, the first time i did i felt a pulling in my abdomen and panicked, i have told one of the sisters so everyone doesn't think i'm being lazy, i don't want to tell everyone either.

I have been doing the 'easier' part of the moving and handling- like at the patients feet for example. maybe that could just lift the lighter things. If you do feel really uncomfortable then just dont do it, i won't be putting my little jelly bean at risk. You need to make sure you feel comfortable, people may think your being over cautions but it is better than not being cautious enough.

Congrats

I second mrsboogie, none of what you describe sounds a problem. Congratulations!