Needing to hide pregnancy from clients

[Twinklingc3]

I never imagined this would be an issue but when a client found out I was pregnant they requested someone else to take over their case. I now fear that if any other clients find out I’m pregnant the same may happen. At least this client was honest about the reason for requesting a change but others may not be which could lead to questions over my performance. I’m just wondering if anyone else has been in the situation of needing to hide their pregnancy from clients and how you managed to achieve this. I’m very lucky my actual employers and management have been wonderful to me through my pregnancy.

I wouldn’t hide it from clients. I’m presuming the last client requested someone else take over because other people being pregnant upsets them for whatever reason. Another client in their same situation could feel deceived if they’re coming to you regularly then you go on maternity leave.

It was because I would be going on maternity leave at some point (hopefully not just assuming I’d have baby brain and they wouldn’t get the best out of me) I suppose it leaves pregnant workers at risk of having no work/clients when the fact is that anyone could become sick, decide to leave, retire or even be moved teams by management at any point anyway. When the time comes they would have just had their case taken over by one of my equally wonderful capable colleagues

A waterfall style cardigan

Pashmina

Wear black!

This depends on multiple scenarios, so without knowing further details-we have no idea OP!

• Are you talking about a client you meet once and unlikely to meet again? A client you will see several times over days/weeks/months or longer?
• Are these all face to face interactions, or could some be made online or via a phone call instead?
• Can you hand the client to someone else when you go on mat leave?
• What is your current uniform/work outfit? Would a large hand bag, loose clothing and a jacket over the top hide the bump?
• How far along are you?
• Velvet clothing is better at absorbing light and hiding bumps than anything shiny/reflective

(Edited for typos!)

Good maternity clothes! That was key for me. I carry very “neat” bump though so needed good maternity clothes.

I hid until about 7-8 months

Suit jackets were great disguise but aren’t worn that much. Tunic and leggings?

I also wore bulky jumpers with slim trousers which helped.

The reality is after you return from maternity leave you’ll likely be working on different accounts anyway, so I wouldn’t even worry about that aspect.
I understand people want continuity of their account managers but it’s outright discrimination on your client’s part. They could’ve suggested the person who will take over for you works alongside you until you go so they get to know the ins and outs of the account. That’s more of a handover than they’d get if someone just up and resigned. Very short-term thinking on your client’s part.

Clients we meet with regularly face to face but work with team of colleagues equally qualified and experienced to provide the same service. There are times when colleagues need to cover (annual leave, rosters, sick leave etc) and my clients have always been more than happy with their work. Not uncommon for clients to have their caseworker replaced due to non pregnancy reasons either. It’s easier to hide in the winter than the spring/summer when will be bigger, it wouldn’t be practical in the role to carry a handbag or any accessories but our workwear allowed to be baggy which will hopefully help

It’s public sector and more that people just like seeing the same person who knows them but each of the team has a good level of competence as well as our own strengths and weaknesses so a lot of our clients come to see the benefits of having the service provided by different members of the team. The person who will replace me is excellent, always has a thorough knowledge of her cases and I’m sure will quickly get to know the cases and build a good rapport. All her previous clients were very happy with her. I’ve worked in a similar role before while pregnant and it was never a thing that clients requested a change in caseworker but times have changed and seems quite common for any reason nowadays and just general expectations of the service, including that they will have a long term dedicated caseworker etc. I think for some it doesn’t even enter their head that we should have any life let alone realising it’s discrimination or if they do, they just give another reason that will inevitably reflect badly on the pregnant caseworker