Help! Should I tell my new job I’m pregnant?

I never been thru this before and I really need a new job but when should I tell them after they hire me or before ?

After they hire you

Legally you don't have to tell them cos it can't impact their decision by law.

If they make me a job offer should I then disclose I’m pregnant? It’s mostly office administration work

After they hired you, I would say something just so they don't ask you to do something that you're not supposed to do while pregnant

Once you have an offer I would personally so they can risk assess you from the beginning. Officially you don't have to tell them until you get your mat1b form at about 28 weeks.

I work in HR, personally I’d be upfront about it 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve interviewed many women who have said they are pregnant who have still got the job, of course there will be businesses that don’t employ you because of it. A watch out for me, if you decide to tell them AFTER you have started and you have a probation period, they may well find a way to end that probation period as many businesses don’t take well to being misled 🤷🏻‍♀️ again, some may be fine with it. Either way if you are UK based you won’t be entitled to maternity pay from the company and will have to apply for the maternity allowance which is the same amount as SMP. I don’t envy you as it could go either way depending on the business and industry you are in.

In most places, you aren’t legally required to disclose your pregnancy to your employer immediately. However, timing your disclosure can be beneficial both for practical reasons and to protect your rights. Here are some things to consider 1: Timing and Workplace Policies: Many choose to wait until after the first trimester to inform their employer, but it’s ultimately up to you. Check your workplace policies regarding maternity leave to see if there’s a required notice period to secure benefits. 2: Safety and Accommodations: If your job involves physical activity, chemicals, or other potentially harmful conditions, informing your employer sooner could be important for adjustments to ensure your safety. 3: Legal Protections: In most countries, pregnant employees have protections against discrimination and job loss under labor laws. Disclosing your pregnancy may protect you if you need accommodations or if any issues arise.

Thanks for the responses If they offer me the job I strongly believe I will tell them before I proceed to Work. But should I mention it at the interview ? . Sorry still unsure

4: Maternity Leave Planning: Giving your employer notice well in advance can help them arrange coverage for your responsibilities during your leave. In short, you aren’t typically obligated to share this information immediately, but choosing a time that feels right for you and considering practical and legal aspects can be helpful. ——— I had a job and didn’t say shit about being pregnant to anyone. Around 8.5 months pregnant I told my boss I would be leaving the position on May 12th at the end of the work day. Didn’t say why (I WAS VERY PREGNANT) And he didn’t ask why. He did ask if I would return in the future and I said “I’m unsure”. I never returned to that job.

These answers are so helpful

I believe you have to tell your employer before a certain point to be eligible for mat leave? I didn’t tell my work until I’d started, I was pregnant before and didn’t know though haha

Don’t tell a potential employer that you’re pregnant. Most will NOT hire you because 1) you might seek out maternity leave 2) they don’t want you coming in and leaving for xyz months to have a baby. It’s disruptive to them because they then have to find a replacement for you or divide up your work to others. 3) they simply see you as high risk 4) and they might think “ah pregnancy related conditions might come up and she might be less committed to the work. -or you don’t show up to the job as frequently. 5) you might seek Disability. some pregnant workers may have one or more impairments related to their pregnancy that qualify as a “disability” under the ADA. I mean, the list goes on. So, my advice is to not say shit. Because they will find a different candidate and reject you simply because your “resume” wasn’t outstanding or you’re missing something. When in reality it’s because you’re expecting a child in 7 months.

I’m Based in the United States Massachusetts

@Sophie she will be eligible for mat leave regardless, she just won’t be eligible for maternity pay through the company and will have to get it through the maternity allowance

Ultimately, that’s only a decision you can make (as hard as it is I know). Devils advocate - if offered will you be returning to the job after maternity leave?

Definitely wouldn’t tell them until you legally have to (24 weeks I believe) or have signed the contract although yes it’s illegal to discriminate because you’re pregnant, they 100% will and there’s no way you can prove it. It’s very inconvenient for them to hire you, for you to go off in a few months - remember with a new job you may not be entitled to maternity pay so double check before!

Additionally: In the U.S., obtaining maternity leave depends on your employer’s policies, your eligibility under federal or state laws, and sometimes on additional options like paid family leave. Here’s a guide to understanding maternity leave options and steps to secure it Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Under FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth and care of a newborn or for adoption/foster care. Eligibility: You need to have worked for your employer for at least 12 months, logged at least 1,250 hours in the past year, and work at a location with 50+ employees within 75 miles. Coverage: FMLA leave is unpaid, but it protects your job and your health insurance during your leave.

Some states offer extended leave or paid family leave benefits. For example: California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington offer paid family leave, allowing partial wage replacement for time off. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, and other states have implemented or will soon implement paid family leave programs. Each state has its own eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and durations. Many employers offer their own paid or unpaid maternity leave benefits. Some companies have paid parental leave policies that may exceed FMLA. Check with HR to understand your company’s maternity or parental leave policies, including any options for short-term disability that may cover part of your income.

Some employers offer short-term disability insurance, which can cover a portion of your salary during maternity leave. Policies vary, but you may be eligible for benefits for several weeks postpartum. If your employer doesn’t offer it, you might be able to purchase a policy independently (although many require coverage before conception). Some employees use a combination of PTO, vacation, or sick days to cover some of their maternity leave. Check with HR on your options for “stacking” leave benefits. Once you’re aware of your eligibility and options, discuss your leave plans with HR to ensure a smooth process. You may need to provide documentation, such as a doctor’s note or a form verifying your due date.

If your not showing dont tell them it’s illegal for them not to hire you because your pregnant but they still do it

Are u not showing yet?

@Bruna I am Not Showing much becuz I am already a chubby woman so it looks normal

I was pregnant and told them in my probation period.. they found ways to get rid of me. But I also didn’t like the feeling of deception! So next time I just found myself a 6 month temp job to see myself through til I had the baby

I got a job admitting up front I was pregnant. This time around I waited until after I was hired but I was only a month pregnant and it was a management position. By 4 months with my second I was showing and couldn’t hide it so I’d have to say something

Incog, don’t say anything. Many of the women on here are giving advice with an understanding of UK maternity leave. It’s illegal for them to fire you for being pregnant and there’s nothing forcing you to tell them. I highly doubt an office job would have you do anything that would be risky for you or your fetus. There also no law saying that you have to tell them although you do need to give them at least 30 days notice that you will be taking time off for medical reasons. I’d at least get through the probationary period before saying anything. One year I went to three different job interviews where they flat out and illegally asked me if I was planning on starting a family soon just because of my age and gender and one was an interview with a lawyer. They know you’re not going to record the interview so they just flat out asked. I also saw in a documentary that the gender wage gap in the US doesn’t exist until the woman has kids. There’s just too much cost wise for an employer to

Hire someone knowing they are pregnant. Too many accommodations to make both during the pregnancy, when returning to work, and while they are on maternity leave if you get any. So I’d wait until after your probationary period and then let them know.