Telling your employer

[Glorias_first]

I am a police officer and this is my first pregnancy... It's a stressful job and I know that's not good for the baby. I'm only 6 weeks and most ppl say to wait until you're 3 months along... Any advise?

[ashiinukkles]

I am a ftm-15 weeks and a correction officer.I told my supervisor at 7 weeks because of the nature of the job. I have not been placed on light duty (state law says 60 days before I go out on leave 90 days if needed). But I have not been placed in certain jobs such as a first response team or at my request the kitchen (the smells were horrible and making me sicker). I still work the blocks and it does suck when I have to carry my weapon the added weight ughhh.... so I can imagine for you, your belt is way heavier then mine. Alot of my male co workers know and they watch for me extra extra now.. I know I didn't give you much help but I feel as women in law we don't get the pregnancy support we need. In the beginning I tried google for guidance and got nothing (we need our own forum) and the other women at work haven't been pregnant while on the job.  Hope all goes well for you.

[BabyGABsMom]

Certain professions can wait till three months while others can't and in my personal opinion being a police officer is one of those can't wait ones. Im a registered nurse and opted to tell my employer earlier since my job requirements would require that I be exposed to certain illnesses/medications that can cause birth defects or miscarriages especially in the first trimester. As a pregnant woman youre considered temporarily disabled in most states & God forbid something happens you can't hold your employer liable if you never told them.

[Newmummy657]

You don't need to announce it, but if you feel like you are unable to put 100% into being a police officer you should speak with your management. Perhaps they can transition you into lighter duties. They can't discriminate you for being pregnant, and you only need to let the necessary people know so that they can help you.

[red84angel]

You shouldn't be judged for saying something so early. I announced my last pregnancy and this one shortly after the hospital confirmed it. It's up to the individual. Good luck hun! :)

[AML0212]

Yup, I agree 100% with red84angel. I was going to say the same thing until I saw it was already said.

[Glorias_first]

That's true... I just don't want to be judged for saying something to early... But baby and I come first

[ncmitch]

^very true

[red84angel]

As a police officer, I think you need to tell your superior sooner rather than later. There are certain tasks you shouldn't do and that can't be taken into consideration if he or she doesn't know

[ncmitch]

They do say to wait until three months in case of miscarriage, I guess some people dont want to go through the event of having to tell people what happened since it's a hard time they will go through. It's really a personal option...if you are having really bad morning sickness then you might want to mention it earlier than that but it's really up to you.