i agree being the 1st can be a good thing, hey if you dont ask you dont get - so go to them with a plan of what you can do and how it will work. and if you can how they can deal withthe impact, if you go to them with a solution then it is easier for them to say YES! Best of luck.

BTW I do work for a v large company and they are super flexible and understanding - so I think it is down to the company itself more than the size of it. Some smaller and family run companies just cant afford the flexibility. Mine has specific targets for retention of women, has won many awards for an emplyer of choice for women (male dominated ind mind you) and there are lots of people who have been there done that so they have many ideas to help in preg, mat leave and returning to work.
Sarah - your company sounds like a great place to work too!