Being exposed

[Daisha_LaPearla]

Hello all,

When did you tell your boss about your pregnancy?  I'm 20 weeks tomorrow and just this past week in a room full of people (including my boss) I was asked if if was pregnant.  Stunned by the question, and especially from the person who asked my first reaction and response was "And that would be any of your business How?" I then walked out but if realized I was much more embarrassed than anything. Has this happened to anyone?

[Naleana]

I work in a call center and any time away from your desk and phone has to accounted for this includes bathroom trips. Aty first appointment I had to get a note for extra bathroom trips.

[shynelle45]

I told at 16 weeks also when I knew everything was ok. Most employers well respect that decision.

[hothotsauce]

I told him around 16 weeks.

[ASmith2006]

I'm in a bit of a unique situation where I kind of am the boss. I plan on telling my board somewhere between weeks 16 and 20 (probably whoever the board meeting falls in there). I don't anticipate much fallout except in terms of covering my responsibilities for 6 weeks while I'm on leave and negotiating maternity leave since they didn't actually put that in my contract (first time they've had a woman in this position).

In your case I'd be pretty put off. I imagine I'd be put off if anyone asked me if I was pregnant or not. You have to do what is right for yourself and perhaps a sit down with your supervisor only is the best option.

[Stinajuly21]

I told my boss at around 12 weeks because I was missing work and had a Dr note with hyperemisses on it... After that point my boss was a total jerk and I regret telling them at all... If I could redo it I would have asked for a Dr note that did not disclose my medical condition but just wrote me out and only told the boss once I needed an accommodation or was 3 months from leaving. I was eventually fired. 22 days before my scheduled maternity leave ... My boss is a real gem. Lost income and medical insurance and they are getting away with it by blaming it on performance everyone in my office knows that's a lie... Its a bad situation and now I am having to look into social services and medical ... Signed up for wic last week. Kind of shocking having gone from 100k a year to nothing over night right before birth ... I'm in a state of "**** my life" right now which isn't helping make the pregnancy any easier.

[abcde12344]

I told my boss at 12 weeks because I worked in a physical demanding job so they could fill anything I couldn't do

[willtowin160]

I think it depends on your work environment. Some employers really want to know in case they have to lighten your workload or find a replacement towards the end of your pregnancy and maternity leave. For me, I want to know immediately if any of my employees get pregnant so that I can be prepared. As far as other co-workers, it's NONE of their business. If you don't feel comfortable telling them, don't. Also, if you feel they may terminate or harass you because of your pregnancy that is illegal. And if that is the case, research the specific laws and hr requirements for your state (if you're in the U.S.)

[Mogpog]

Nope, I told my immediate supervisor and team leader at 8 weeks since I had extensive travel planned for what was now the end of my pregnancy so they needed to fill that position ahead of time to ensure continuity. I told the rest of work around 14 weeks, and it mostly got spread by word of mouth. You will need to tell them at some point though,  maybe use this as an opening to talk to your boss?

[mondz]

I told my boss at 8weeks and she kept it secret. Im also in a very supportive office. I told the rest of work at 12 weeks.

[cjones0402]

Not me. I told my boss shortly after i found out so they could make sure business still flowed if i had to go early...thankfully i work in a place that actually cares about it's employees...