Promotion while pregnant? Reassurance needed!

[NewJobNewLife]

I have name changed, but am a regular. I know what the right answer to my dilemma is, but I can't stop worrying about the consequences.

I applied for a promotion at work, in another unit but working regularly with my current unit. It is quite a big promotion, and would take me from managing about 5 staff to managing about 20 staff. I subsequently found out that I'm pregnant, and I've now been offered an interview.

I know that the right thing to do it to give it my best shot and take the job if it's offered. But I am worried that I'll damage my professional reputation by accepting a job, and then going on maternity leave maybe 6 months after starting it.

Please can you knock some sense in to me and tell me that I should continue with the process and accept if I'm offered? Or else tell me that although in legally entitled to do this, I will wreck my reputation and see my career go down in flames.

Help!

I'm in exactly the same position. I was interviewed for two part time positions (one a promotion in a current part time job and one a new role with a lot of responsibility) before Christmas while 4 weeks pregnant. I was offered and accepted both roles. I'm now eight weeks and have told my current employer but not the new one yet. I've had recurrent miscarriages and previously not gone for jobs as I didn't want to start and then go on Mat leave but things are looking really positive this time. I think you should go for it. Babies are part of life.

PS my DH was worried about damage to my professional reputation. My employers today were delightful, excited ony behalf and really supportive.

It's great to hear your current emyers were positive about your pregnancy :)

Are you still working for the same manager/team in your new role? I am worried because I'll be telling a new manager about the pregnancy before I've had a chance to prove myself to him.

New manager. I felt apprehensive too but also think it is wrong that we end up feeling like this. Good luck!

It depends on the company and your personal reputation.
I got a promotion whilst on Maternity Leave.
I had been with the company quite a few years and continued with them (and further promotions). It was a close knit company and I had specific skill sets that would be hard to replicate. I also offered support on technical stuff whilst on ML so that they could cover my workload even though there wasn't somebody who could actually do it.
I was offered a directorship despite knowing I was planning to have another child.
Unfortunately they folded (after 150Yrs + ) so I no longer work for them.
I found it tricky to find a similar position so I ended up starting my own practice .