thread: How & when (how many weeks) did you tell your work you were pregnant?

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2009
    SE Queensland
    467

    Question How & when (how many weeks) did you tell your work you were pregnant?

    Im almost into my 2nd tri-mester now and was thinking about letting my work know when I come back after Xmas hols. Ive taken a few weeks off over Xmas & will be well & truly 'showing' by the time I get back, Im having trouble hiding it now. I had a mc right around this stage earlier in the year which is why Im waiting untill after Xmas, it should put me at about 17weeks by then and Ill feel a lot more confident. But it means that the last time my PG was officially confirmed was my scan at 11 weeks

    So when did you tell your work? How many weeks were you?

    And what did you say exactly?

    I mean did you sit your boss down and tell them you would be needing to take maternity leave this year coz you're pregnant? Did you see your boss/supervisor first? or your HR department if you have one?

    I need help!! Im really nervous about doing it.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    I just said to my supervisor when I started that I was pregnant, jic they wondered why I was going to the loo to spew lol. Told them at 9 weeks.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    1,973

    I told mine at 15 weeks, i had been having a couple of random days off ,and i came in from having a day of to tell my boss iwas preg

    me. ' i have something to tell u'
    boss' your pregnant arent u, your boobs have gotten bigger' LOL female boss so its ok hehe

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Add Kazbah on Facebook Follow Kazbah On Twitter

    Sep 2006
    Dandy Ranges ;)
    7,526

    I told my boss at 12 weeks, and officially applied for mat leave at 35 weeks. (I started it at 36 weeks). Have a look at any stuff your workplace has around mat leave entitlements and that will give you guidelines as to when they want to be told, however giving them ample time to plan will be appreciated.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    2,251

    I told mine at 13 weeks and took maternity leave at 34 weeks

  6. #6

    Apr 2009
    Melbourne
    1,069

    Everyone at my work knew by 9 weeks but that was because they all knew we were going through IVF (so they were all waiting for me to get big boobs!) and I had trouble hiding the morning sickness and weight-gain. Their response was very positive.

    Other people at my work have announced their pregnancies to the boss in a private conversation, and then announced it in a staff meeting or by email to everyone else.

    One friend didn't tell her work until she was about 22 weeks and well and truly showing.

    My boss announced her pregnancy when she was about 16 weeks pregnant. There's no problem with that BUT everyone had already worked it out because she was really showing and so the gossip had started before she'd announced it. I think if I was showing I'd be wanting to make the announcement myself rather than wait for everyone to start gossiping, iykwim?

    I would suggest a private meeting with the boss and then a general announcement once you're ready. I can imagine you're nervous given your previous loss. Take your time, do it when you're comfortable. Oh, and remember that the chances are that your boss will understand why you're nervous and want to set your mind at ease.

    GL Hun.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    Gold Coast
    795

    I'd told a couple of friends at work almost straight away and had planned to wait til 12 or 13weeks, but with my regular dashes to the bathroom at 3pm I thought it best to tell my boss at 10 weeks before others started working it out (cause they were already looking at me with an suspicion)...this was pretty much the same with both pregnancies.

    So I asked to speak to my boss in private...told him...which he then was so happy for me/us cause he knew our issues in TTC #1 (had a bit of time off here and there). I then announced it to everyone else at the next morning meeting. As for HR- i didn't get in touch (well my manager arranged that anyway) until i knew my leaving dates, which i think was about early 3rd trimester. Though my position is fairly easy to replace so there was no big rush (work in a bank).

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2010
    Hunter Valley, NSW
    715

    My boss picked it first!! I saw him on Monday, found out on the Wednesday, told him that arvo with his response I knew it you looked different and were more tires then normal on monday

    Told the remaining staff at about 10 weeks although most had guessed it. My boss followed up with hr in relation to leave. I wa scheduled to go at 35 weeks however bubba had other ideas and came at 30 weeks

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    SE QLD
    2,321

    I told my boss at 13/14wks, and I said... I really don't know how to tell you this, but I'm pregnant too (at the time, we had one who'd just had a little girl end September, another due Nov - she had a little boy, another due January, and me due March... There really must be something in the water!) She just laughed. I thought it was the best time.. I wanted to wait longer, but everyone was due for performance review, so I got my review - and then told her.

    I officially applied for Maternity leave the other day. We had to have our application in 10 wks before we want to start. Maternity leave is due to start at the beginning 34wks on 25 January.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Forster NSW
    1,444

    DH and I run our own business along side the inlaws so they knew early on in my pregnancy that I was UTD. I worked 10-12 hour days (with only a day off a week here and there) up until 38 weeks.... Not fun!

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    I told mine at 6 weeks when we found out.

    I asked to speak to the owner and my Chef and told them that I was about 6 weeks pregnant, and how did they want to handle it. (I had only been working there 4 weeks, and was hired as a long term prospect, unaware I was pregnant, so it was a big shock to them as well and disruptive of their business plans)

    Anyway, I would have told them so early anyway as it really does affect the way I can perform my job (chef). So it meant everyone knew what was going on, and as I worked 6 days a week, 16 hour days, meant they knew why I needed time off for appointments etc.

    I would be seriously considering the way you worded "I will be needing maternity leave this year because I am pregnant"... not sure of your personal situation, what is included in your contract/award etc, but if someone told me they were pregnant like that I would find it exceptionally rude.

  12. #12

    Jan 2008
    3,107

    I told mine at about 6-7 weeks? I figured I work in a high risk area and that I dont want to look after patients with infections etc

    Me: OMG Guess what everyone?
    Them: Ooh it must be good what?!?

    IM FINALLY PREGNANT!

    Everyone: Yyay congrats! with a few oh youve ruined your life your too young etc

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    in the garden
    3,767

    I was 4.5 weeks & had come in late after a doctors appt to confirm. I walked in, boss (owner) was there & he said 'So, are you pregnant or not?' I was totally confused, thought my (immediate) boss must have told him as I had told her why I was going...I said 'actually...yes...' & he just about fell over, he was just kidding
    He then told everyone on the afternoon delivery run. So i never really had to make an announcement.

    I think as Kazbah a private meeting with your boss first. It will probably be much easier than you think good luck!