Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing time, but it can also bring uncertainty about how it will impact your career. For many expecting moms, sharing the news with an employer can feel nerve-racking. Deciding when to make that announcement is a personal choice, and the right timing is different for everyone. In this episode, we talk about what to consider when deciding how and when to tell your employer you are pregnant. From general timing guidelines and legal rights to workplace dynamics and career implications, we cover everything you need to feel more confident. Whether you are in a demanding role, managing symptoms, or simply unsure how to start the conversation, this episode offers practical guidance to help you navigate the process.

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Hi Vanessa,

First of all, thank you so much for the Pregnancy Podcast. I have learned so much from listening. It has been incredibly helpful, especially as a first-time mom who tends to over-research everything! I’m 9 weeks pregnant and starting to think more seriously about when to tell my employer. I work full-time in a corporate office. My job isn’t physically demanding, but it is high stress, and I’m usually in back-to-back meetings all day. I also travel a few times a year for work. I’m already starting to feel anxious about what those trips might look like later in my pregnancy.

To complicate things, I’m up for a promotion that has been in the works for months. I haven’t told anyone at work I’m pregnant yet. I’m worried that if I share the news now, it could affect that opportunity, even if only subconsciously. At the same time, I want to be respectful of my team and give them enough notice to plan for my eventual leave.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best time to share the news at work. Is there a general recommendation or something I should be considering based on my specific situation? Is it better to wait until after the first trimester or after I’ve had the promotion conversation? Are there any legal or HR things I should be aware of?

Thank you again for all that you do!

Paige

Paige, congrats on your pregnancy, and thank you for your kind words about the podcast. Hopefully, all the research I do for episodes can reduce the amount of searching you need to do and make your life easier. Let’s talk about some considerations so you can navigate when to share your pregnancy news with your employer.

When to Share Your Pregnancy at Work

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for when to share pregnancy news at work. As a general guideline, many parents wait until after the first trimester. The risk of miscarriage drops significantly after 12 weeks, which is why many expecting parents choose to wait until that point before making a public or professional announcement. The end of the first trimester is also when your belly will start to show, and your coworkers may begin to notice physical signs that you may be pregnant.

If you experience severe morning sickness or other complications that require you to take sick time, miss work, or step away from your usual responsibilities, that may also influence when you choose to disclose your pregnancy. Paige, since you did not mention anything like that, I hope you are feeling well at work. If symptoms of pregnancy are impacting your ability to work or causing you to take time off, it could be helpful to share the news sooner so your employer understands the reason for your absences and can offer accommodations if needed.

Aside from the specifics of your pregnancy, there are many other factors worth considering, depending on the particulars of your employment.

Considerations Around Promotions

In your case, Paige, you need to consider the timing of your upcoming promotion. While it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because you are pregnant, we also know that conscious or unconscious biases can sometimes influence decisions. It makes sense to wait until after the promotion is finalized. Especially since this has been in the works for months, and such opportunities may not arise often. Think about when you expect your employer to make this decision. Will it happen in the next few weeks, or will it take months to finalize? If you feel comfortable holding off on sharing your news, you absolutely can. Of course, if your pregnancy becomes difficult to hide, you may need to say something sooner. However, if you have any concerns about how the news might impact your promotion, waiting a little longer until the decision is made could be the best choice for your situation.

As a side note, during my first pregnancy, I was working in a corporate job and had an annual review coming up. I chose to wait until after that review to disclose my pregnancy because I was concerned it might impact my salary increase. Whether or not it actually would have made a difference, I will never know, but I felt more comfortable holding off until that conversation had taken place.

Your Job’s Physical and Emotional Demands

Another factor to consider is your physical well-being. If your job has any physical demands, travel requirements, or risks that your employer should be aware of to protect your health, it may be necessary to disclose this information sooner. Paige, based on what you shared, your role does not sound physically demanding, although you did mention it can be high-stress. From the information you provided, there does not appear to be an immediate reason to announce your pregnancy. That said, if the stress becomes overwhelming or starts to impact your health, it may be worth discussing with your employer to explore support or accommodations.

You mentioned that you travel periodically for work and are already starting to feel anxious about how those trips might go later in your pregnancy. It is entirely understandable to want to plan. For now, though, try not to stress about it too much. Once you have shared your pregnancy with your employer, you can work together to navigate any upcoming travel and make adjustments or accommodations as needed.

Legal Requirements for Disclosure

Legally, you are not required to tell your employer that you are pregnant until you request maternity leave. However, there are good reasons to give your employer reasonable notice, such as allowing them time to plan and to maintain strong professional relationships. Paige, you mentioned wanting to be respectful of your team and giving them enough time to prepare for your leave. At 9 weeks, you still have plenty of time, with at least seven months to go before your baby arrives. That gives you a generous window to work with your employer on a transition plan and ensure everything runs smoothly during your absence.

Navigating Workplace Relationships

Another consideration is the emotional and relational impact, especially if you have close relationships with your colleagues. Only you can determine the best way to navigate those dynamics. You might choose to share the news with a select group of coworkers first, but be mindful that word can spread quickly. Ideally, you want your employer or manager to hear the news directly from you rather than through the office grapevine.

Finding the Right Time for You

Only you can decide when the right time is to share your pregnancy news with your employer. Ideally, you will be able to share it on your terms, rather than having them figure it out before you are ready. Of course, factors like an upcoming promotion can influence when you feel comfortable having that conversation. Paige, you are not alone in feeling uncertain about how and when to approach this. Ultimately, the right time is whenever it feels right for you, taking into account your health, your comfort level, and your career goals.

Keeping Perspective

Your career may be a significant part of your life, and it is understandable to pour so much of yourself into the company you work for. However, it is essential to maintain perspective. Bringing a baby into the world is a far more significant life milestone than any job title or promotion. Trying to balance everything can be challenging, especially when you care deeply about your work and responsibilities. Ultimately, you will find a path that feels right for you. Pregnancy and the early postpartum period are such brief moments in the grand scheme of your life. Your priorities may shift in ways you cannot fully anticipate at this time. As you navigate these decisions, remember that your long-term well-being and your family’s needs should guide you, not the expectations of your employer.

Additional Resources:

• Your Guide to Maternity Leave

• When to Announce Your Pregnancy

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