Breaking the News of Pregnancy at Work

Everyone has a different idea about the perfect timeyou plan to work and when you intend to come back.
to tell others that she is pregnant. Many women waitShare some general plans at the start of your
to tell anyone except their partner until after their firstpregnancy, but leave enough room for negotiation in
trimester, when the highest risk of miscarriage hascase the idea of working until your water breaks loses
passed. Others can't wait to share the news.its appeal by your final trimester.o Know what your
At work, there's no perfect time to tell others. It's wiseoptions are. Once you make your big announcement
not to wait too long, especially if you have healthat work, go to your company's personnel office.
issues or other complications to sort through with yourCollect information on health insurance, disability
supervisor. No matter when you break the news,benefits, and family or maternity leave policies.o Offer
consider the following tips:o Tell your boss personally.solutions. Before you share your baby news, think
Your boss deserves to hear the news directly fromabout how your work might be split up. Consider who
you instead of overhearing it in the break room.ocould be trained to take your spot for a few months, if
Watch out for potential conflicts. These days, it's illegalnecessary.o Know the law. Although policies regarding
to withhold a promotion, reduce the amount of a raisework hours, sick leave and health care benefits vary
or take back a job offer just because a woman isfrom company to company, federal laws offer
pregnant. Nevertheless, if you have an upcomingprotections for pregnant women and those who can't
salary review or are under consideration for a newwork because of the need to care for a newborn.
position or important project, you may want to wait toThese laws are known as the Pregnancy
share your news.o Keep your options open. Your bossDiscrimination Act of 1978 and the Family Medical
and co-workers may want to know exactly how longLeave Act of 1993.