Telling Your Boss About Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a real stressor when it comes time to notify work. After all, some work places have been known to discriminate against pregnant women when it comes to promotions, performance reviews, and benefits. However, it's important to tell your boss that you're pregnant, before he or she hears it from someone else. Here's how to make the big announcement at work.

There's no definite time that's right for all mothers to be to share the good news. However, planning your announcement can increase the chances of getting a good response. Your employer, even mom-friendly ones, will have concerns about how long you'll need to take off, and if you're ever coming back to work. Go in knowing how long you'll expect to be out of the office and when, who's a good candidate to replace you, and what you can do to help train that replacement. Make it clear that this is a plan, rather than a direct blueprint for what will happen, and that things may change. You can't always know what will happen with your body, and complications in your pregnancy may require a change of plans.

You should also know your rights. It's not acceptable for your employer to lay you off or pass you up for a promotion you deserve just because you're pregnant. However, to avoid the question, if you've got a salary review, performance meeting, or other big event coming up, don't mention your pregnancy until afterward. That way, you won't have to worry if a bad review is actually a discriminatory act.

Want your boss to think about your pregnancy in a favorable light? Announce it just after something good has happened, like completing a big project or making a sale. This will underline your productivity and usefulness to your boss and coworkers, and prevent them from worrying about whether you'll be as committed when you're a new mom. Many employers are worried about this, and it's wise to address these fears carefully.

Of course, if your boss is having a bad day, you can always put off the announcement. Likewise, if you're expecting a negative reaction, don't announce things until the high-risk period for a miscarriage is over. Of course, if you have bad morning sickness or complications, telling your employer why you've been late or have to go to the doctor so often is still a good idea. Remember that your employer might not be as happy about your pregnancy as you are. This isn't necessarily a slight to you, but he or she will be worried about what it can mean for the company. Be positive, and show that you're still a dedicated worker, but don't let a negative reaction spoil your happiness.

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