Finding out you’re pregnant is a whirlwind of emotion. But once the initial excitement settles, a new worry often creeps in: telling your boss.
If you are stressing about breaking the news at work, you aren’t alone. It is a major life change, and it’s normal to wonder how it will impact your career or your relationship with colleagues.
We’re here to walk you through your rights, the best timing strategies, and exactly how to have that conversation professionally.
(Jump to the Email Template)
Key Takeaways
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), the FMLA, and the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).
- Ask for what you need: You are entitled to reasonable accommodations, such as extra breaks, seating, or schedule adjustments.
- Timing matters: Tell your boss before your coworkers to control the narrative, ideally after the first trimester.
- Have a plan: Come to the meeting prepared with a rough idea of your leave dates and coverage plan.
What Laws Do I Need to Know About?
Before you schedule that meeting with your manager, you need to know where you stand legally. In the United States, several key laws protect pregnant employees.
These regulations generally apply to companies with 15 or more employees (1).
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): This prevents your workplace from discriminating against you based on pregnancy. They cannot fire you, deny promotions, or refuse to hire you just because you are expecting.
- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Effective as of 2023, this law requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for pregnancy-related limitations unless it causes undue hardship.
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This protects your job while you take unpaid leave for medical reasons, including childbirth.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): While pregnancy isn’t a disability, pregnancy-related complications (like gestational diabetes) may trigger ADA protections.
What Accommodations Can I Get?
Under the PWFA and ADA, if you need changes to do your job safely, your employer usually has to work with you. This is often called the “interactive process.”
Common accommodations include:
- More frequent bathroom breaks.
- A chair to sit on if your job usually requires standing.
- Permission to carry a water bottle.
- Flexible hours for medical appointments.
- Relief from lifting heavy objects.
- Remote work options if applicable.
Your employer cannot dock your pay for these accommodations as long as you are still performing your essential job functions. However, keep in mind that pregnancy does not exempt you from meeting performance standards. These tools are there to help you do your job, not to lower the bar.
What if I Can’t Do My Job?
Sometimes, pregnancy complications make it impossible to work. In these cases, you might request temporary reassignment to light duty. Just be aware that if the new role pays less, your paycheck might reflect that.
If you cannot work at all due to a medical condition, you may need to utilize FMLA.
Take Note
Do Individual States Have Their Own Laws?
Yes. The federal laws are the bare minimum. Many states and cities have enacted stronger protections for pregnant workers.
Check this resource to see specific regulations in your area.
When Should I Announce My Pregnancy?
There is no single “right” time to tell your boss. It depends on your health, your job, and your comfort level.
Most women wait until after the first trimester (around week 13). By this point, the risk of miscarriage drops significantly when you want to announce your pregnancy. Waiting helps you avoid having to explain a personal loss to coworkers if things don’t go as planned.
However, you might need to speak up sooner if:
- You have severe symptoms: If morning sickness is making you late or affecting your performance, it is better to explain why than to let your boss think you are slacking off.
- Your job involves hazards: If you work with chemicals, radiation, or heavy lifting, tell your supervisor immediately for your safety.
The 30-Day Rule
How Can I Hide My Pregnancy at Work?
If you aren’t ready to share the news yet, hiding a first-trimester bump is usually easy with flowy tops and blazers. The real challenge is hiding the symptoms.
Here is how to stay under the radar:
- The Coffee decoy: If you are skipping caffeine, carry a travel mug. People assume it is coffee, but you can fill it with decaf or water. It keeps questions at bay and keeps you hydrated.
- Lunch breaks: Strong smells in the breakroom can trigger nausea. Pack a cold lunch (sandwiches, salads) to avoid the microwave queue. If possible, eat outside or in your car for fresh air.
- Fighting fatigue: The afternoon slump hits hard. Instead of another coffee, try a brisk 5-minute walk or splash cold water on your face. If you work remotely, use your lunch break for a power nap.
- Managing nausea: Keep bland snacks (crackers, ginger chews) in your desk drawer. An empty stomach often makes pregnancy nausea worse.
Tips for Announcing Your Pregnancy
Ready to share the news? Here is how to handle the conversation like a pro.
1. Telling Your Boss
Your boss should be the first person to know. This prevents them from hearing it through office gossip, which is unprofessional. Schedule a dedicated time to talk (in person or video call) rather than blurting it out in passing.
Come prepared with a plan. Your boss will immediately wonder about coverage. You don’t need every detail figured out, but you should be ready to discuss:
- Your estimated due date.
- Your tentative plans for leave (start date and duration).
- How you plan to prepare your team before you go.
After the meeting, send a follow-up email to document the conversation. This creates a paper trail for your records.
Email Template
I am writing to confirm our conversation regarding my pregnancy. I am expecting a baby, with a due date of <DUE DATE>.
I currently plan to work until <DATE> and anticipate taking a maternity leave of approximately <NUMBER> weeks. I intend to return to work on or around <RETURN DATE>.
To ensure a smooth transition, I plan to:
- Create detailed documentation of my daily processes.
- Train <COLLEAGUE NAME> on my core responsibilities.
- Complete <PROJECT NAME> prior to my leave.
I will keep you updated if any dates change due to medical necessity. I will also reach out to HR to finalize the necessary paperwork.
Thank you for your support during this exciting time.
Sincerely,
<NAME>
2. Telling Your Coworkers
Once your boss is in the loop, you can tell your team. How you announce it depends on your culture.
For close teammates, a personal conversation is best. for the wider office, a quick announcement during a status meeting or a casual email works fine. You don’t need to tell everyone personally; the grapevine (and your growing belly) will do the rest.
3. Telling Your Direct Reports
If you manage people, they might feel anxious about your departure. When you tell them, focus on reassurance.
Explain who will be their point of contact while you are away. Frame it as an opportunity for them to step up and take on more responsibility. A calm, organized leader creates a calm, organized team.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Getting emotional: It is an emotional time, but try to keep the meeting with your boss professional. Focus on the logistics and the plan. Save the tears and excitement for your family.
- Telling coworkers first: News travels fast. If your boss hears it from someone else, it damages trust. Always let leadership know before the rumor mill starts churning.
- Leading with demands: Don’t start the conversation by listing all the accommodations you need. Start with the news and your commitment to a smooth transition. Discuss accommodations as a collaborative part of the process.
- Expecting a parade: While you are over the moon, your coworkers might be stressed about the extra workload. If the reaction is lukewarm, don’t take it personally. It’s business.
- Faking a return: If you know 100% that you aren’t coming back, do not mislead your employer to get paid leave benefits. It burns bridges and, in many cases, you will be legally required to pay back health insurance premiums or salary paid during your leave. Honesty is the best policy here.
FAQs
Can I Get Fired for Not Telling My Employer I’m Pregnant?
No. You are not legally required to disclose your pregnancy at any specific time (unless requesting FMLA leave, which usually requires 30 days’ notice). Firing you for hiding a pregnancy or simply for being pregnant is discrimination and is illegal.
When Announcing Pregnancy at Work, What Do You Say?
Keep it simple. Say, “I have some exciting news to share; I am pregnant and due in [Month]. I wanted to let you know early so we can plan for my maternity leave and ensure my responsibilities are covered.”
How Many Hours Should a Pregnant Woman Work on Her Feet?
There is no legal limit, but medical advice often suggests limiting standing to 4 hours at a time. If your job requires prolonged standing, request a stool or more frequent seated breaks as a reasonable accommodation.
Can You Get Fired for Calling in Sick While Pregnant?
You generally cannot be fired for pregnancy-related illness if you are covered by FMLA or state sick leave laws. However, you must follow your company’s standard call-in procedures. Frequent unexplained absences could still be grounds for discipline if not documented properly.
When Is the Best Time to Stop Working When Pregnant?
Most women work up until their due date or a few days before, provided there are no complications. Stopping too early uses up FMLA time that you might prefer to have *after* the baby is born. Listen to your doctor and your body.
Do I Have to Tell a Potential Employer I’m Pregnant During an Interview?
No. You are under no legal obligation to disclose your pregnancy during a job interview. In fact, many experts recommend waiting until you have a job offer in hand to avoid potential unconscious bias during the hiring process.
The Bottom Line
Balancing a career and a growing family takes work, but it starts with a single conversation. By knowing your rights and communicating clearly, you set the stage for a stress-free transition.
Remember, your employer has likely navigated maternity leaves before. Approach the situation with a plan, be professional, and don’t be afraid to advocate for the accommodations you need to stay healthy. You’ve got this!
