Telling a New Employer About Pregnancy Before Maternity Leave

“Basically the title. I’m just shy of 38 weeks pregnant (1st baby) and my doctors have warned me I’ll probably be having this baby sooner rather than later. When I first told my boss I was expecting she was super excited and told me I was such an integral part of the team that whatever I needed from them they would make happen. We talked about a hybrid schedule when I returned, but of course I didn’t get anything in writing. I had just had my employee review and it was perfect. Well it came time”

“I’ll try to keep this brief. I’ve worked at my company for 3 years, I’ve been back for 3 months after 1 year of maternity leave. Because of my pay, going back full time was out of the question, I’d be paying close to double what I make to nursery so I’m currently on 3 days a week which are mostly funded by the government (still paying £380 a month). We’re struggling with money because of this so I’m looking for jobs with a £10k increase, and going back to full time, and it seems this might actua”

“I am currently 8wks PP and am sure anxious about returning to work after 12 weeks. I am fortunate that I have a remote WFH job and a family member will be providing childcare - but am still really worried about logistics Baby is breast fed but just started looping in 1 bottle per day so he can begin to get used to it. Also pretty much exclusively contact or carrier napping right now. Anyone have insights, tips, suggestions, reassurances, etc? submitted by /u/Main-Leg-8040 [link] &#32”

“I’m over 10 weeks and recently had a great ultrasound! I told my direct bosses earlier so they understood my sick time, appointments, and a couple close coworkers know. I’m wondering when to tell everyone else. I’d like to formally notify HR and my director so it's documented and they can prepare for my mat leave (and potentially earlier leave). I also manage a team, many who are brand new. I want to give them plenty of time to prepare for my leave, but I don’t want to scare new employees of”

“Hi! I've been out of FT work and so I'm interviewing for roles. My wife is giving birth via c section next Wednesday if this little girl doesn't come sooner. I told them I'd be out for "at least a week and a half" starting next Wednesday — obviously I would like to take some time off with the baby, but I figured we'd get to that if an offer comes. It is a very good executive job. It's remote. I think the pay will really be good for our family. But I also have in”

“First time mom, my baby is currently 2 months old and i plan on returning to work in a month. My husband works 8am to 5pm 5 days a week and I work on call from 4pm to 2am 4 days a week. And my work could keep me out later if I get a call later in the shift. Our current plan is that my husband is supposed to take over being the main baby watcher when my shift starts and I'll take over when I get done with work. But I've been wondering when I'll sleep? And when he'll sleep? Especia”

“I always thought maternity leave was mostly about getting ready for the baby. But I’m realizing there’s so much to think about before maternity leave like when to tell my manager, how much work to wrap up, who will take over my responsibilities, whether I’ll be forgotten while I’m away, how to make sure coming back doesn’t feel like starting over, and whether I should even be thinking about my career progression while preparing for a baby. All of these thoughts have been overwhelming me. I’m exc”

“Hi - looking for something I’m not sure exists. I’m a nurse and the main money earner for my family. I’m on maternity leave until January, then going back to work full time (3x12 hour days). I was thinking of going back to school to be a nurse practitioner, which would start when my daughter is 15 months - it would be online classes only, but then clinicals start when she’s about 24 months (so I would have my 3 12s, plus 2 8 hour clinical days a week for about a year, right before she turns 3).”

“Hi all, long-time lurker and first-time poster. I (F34) and my husband (M33) are relatively new parents to our 8-month old. At this point, with me heading back to work and my husband as a full-time SAHP, things are starting to even out into what our schedules will probably look like for a couple of years. We've both been giving each other grace as I've recovered from pregnancy/slowly ramped back up into working and he's adjusted to the SAHP parent expectations. That said, there's”

“My current job is super toxic and getting worse, and my manager has been awful lately (he told me not to speak unless spoken to in meetings). I was hoping to have found a new job by now but I am planning on waiting until after Mat leave to jump ship now because our insurance is good (I’ve confirmed no clawback clause). I’m 22 weeks pregnant and not showing much at all, so I can keep hiding it for a bit longer. He’s made derogatory comments about female stakeholders when whey weren’t in the room”

“Well my wife is now in her 9th Month Labour and I got job offer in different State above all the notice period is only for 3 weeks ..... On one hand i really really want a job to support family, on other heart is telling not to leave wife during this phase alone.. Anyone gone through this? I probably know my answer but what would you do? And : money is saved up for pregnancy.... submitted by /u/Waste_Education4515 [link] [comments]”

“Any other new grad PAs who started their first job while pregnant? I’m looking for advice and reassurance. I graduated in May, passed the PANCE in June, and got my dream job offer in July. I also found out I am pregnant! No, it was not planned but being that I am older and want kids, I did not want to abort. I am happy, my husband is happy, and my family are all happy. When I start my job, I’ll be around 28 weeks pregnant (due to the long hospital credentialing process). I’ve already met my supe”

“I have to go back to work September 1. I’m super sad because I love BF and my baby will have to take bottles during the day which she hates. I still plan to breastfeed and will pump while at work but when I am home I really want all feedings to be from the breast. Well, my baby likes to feed around midnight and then again around 3/4 ish and I have to leave for work by 6 and I’m doing the math and there is like no time for me to really sleep. My husband offered to give bottle for one of the night”

“Hi! I'm a mama to a 10 week old baby girl and my parental leave for work ends in mid September. The plan was for me to go back to work after my leave but after talking about it and getting advice from my mother in law, my husband and I decided it would be best for us and baby if I stay home for the time being. I'm just looking for advice on how to tell my manager I won't be returning to work, also when would be a good time to tell him. I've never quit a job while on leave so I&#3”

“Hi All, I was let go from my previous position on June 1st. I have been remote for about 4/5 years in an entry level corporate sales role in the process of moving up. Might be TMI but I missed my period, took a pregnancy test on or around July 30 and found out I’m 6 weeks pregnant. (First time Mom, 28F) I’m in the process of being onboarded into an entry level position that has a straight path upwards which is a blessing for me. I’m really excited and regardless of the pregnancy nausea am going”

“Anybody else struggling on how to go about their career as a new mom. My baby is due next month, For context I left my previous job that I had worked at for 6 years, 2 years ago due to them eliminating my position for my current job. All of my coworkers left or or were getting promoted around me except me, like I was watching new hires getting promoted over me all because my boss insisted that I was soft spoken which I completely disagree with and have worked on. My last 2 years there I’ve watch”

“My current manager and whole team know I'm pregnant. However, I got a promotion into a completely different department where no one know me. By the time I start my new position I'll only have 2 months left before I start my maternity leave. How and when do I tell my new manager that 1) I'm pregnant, and 2) I'm going on leave in 2 months right before our busy period? submitted by /u/Boring_Student_8337 [link] [comments]”

“Located in the US (obviously) I'm gearing up to announce my pregnancy to my boss/team at the end of next month, baby will be here end of January (or earlier!). This is my second baby but first with this company. Additional context is that the company's leave policy is basically 12 weeks FMLA and is not HQ'd in a state with public leave, but I live in a state with public leave that guarantees me 20 weeks minimum which I will be taking. The boss of our small team was fired a few weeks”

“I’m having difficulty making a big decision with my career at the moment. I recently found out that I’m pregnant (2 months) and got a conditional job offer. The hiring process started back in March, and ever since then, I’ve had to go through an extensive hiring process. I foresee the official offer being extended to me in the next 6 weeks (may be less, may be more) because I still have two more rounds of interviews, reference checks, etc. I also have tons of paperwork to complete and don’t want”

“I’m having difficulty making a big decision with my career at the moment. I recently found out that I’m pregnant (2 months) and got a conditional job offer. The hiring process started back in March, and ever since then, I’ve had to go through an extensive hiring process. I foresee the official offer being extended to me in the next 6 weeks (may be less, may be more) because I still have two more rounds of interviews, reference checks, etc. I also have tons of paperwork to complete and don’t want”

“My baby will be 8 weeks on Wednesday. I’m going back to work tomorrow ☹️ How did you guys cope with it? This is my first baby and I am strugglinggg. I don’t feel ready to leave her at all. My job has luckily helped out and I will only be working 4 days a week but I am stressing. We are exclusively breastfeeding and I’m worried about pumping. She was in the nicu the first week of her life so I am pretty comfortable with pumping I’m just worried about the logistics of doing it at work. I am a rest”

“Hi! I just found out I’m pregnant with baby number 2 - I’m about 5 weeks. My son was born July 2025 and I was laid off from my old job in September 2025. It took awhile to find a new job which I started April 2026. This job has a 6m probation (ends 10/1/26). What do I do about telling work? So far I have no symptoms but am worried since this is my 2nd pregnancy I will show a lot sooner. My probation ends around 12w pregnant so I could tell them right after my probation ends but I don’t know if t”

submitted by /u/Ok_Cold_8206 [link] [comments]

“I’m at a crossroads and I really could use some advice from other working moms. I’m an ambitious woman working at a global multinational and I’m expecting my third child soon. I’ve been at my current company for 6 years and I have a good reputation, been promoted and also have a lot of flexibility which as a working mom you all know is gold! The office is also a 10 minute walk from my house and my kids school so we’re all in the neighbourhood. I have not been looking for a new role, also because”

“I moved to a new city around the same time my leave ended, so I never went back to work at my previous job. Then I took a few extra months to settle in and stay home with my baby. I just accepted a job on a medsurg unit in a level 1 trauma hospital, and I’m terrified. It’ll have been 8 months since I left my last job to have my baby. The long hours, the inconsistent sleep, mom-brain, a long commute, pumping, new place and coworkers, plus the extended time off. I feel like I need to study before”

“back to work as a first time mom for a year now. I expected things to get easier. but I feel like I get no time with my son. we have a small business we run on weekends so he spends Saturday with his grandparents. weekdays it feels like we get bath time after daycare and that’s it. we havent vacationed or taken more than a long weekend since returning to work. I miss my baby. i fantasize about getting laid off or leaving for some front desk job where decks and KPIs don’t exist. but also worried”

“I just started a new job this week and I'm noticeably pregnant with baby #2. Haven't told either of my supervisors/HR/anybody. The job is ~85% remote but we have a weekly team meeting in-person so I pretty much have to say something this week. I'm looking for advice on literally what to say/how to say it. I don't want to come off as guilty or apologetic but at the same time I know it does put them in a bit of a bind--we are a small team to begin with (5 people total) and each of”

“TLDR; I would love to hear experiences from working moms who have asked for longer than "standard" maternity leave! Hey all. I'm just about 16 weeks pregnant with my second child, although this is my sixth pregnancy because I had four miscarriages before this. Due to my history of losses and the crazy amount of medication/side effects I've had to work through this time, I told my manager "Kimberly" about the pregnancy right away. I also started showing super early bec”

“*Wasn’t sure what flair to put since it’s more advice needed, but potentially also a vent? I am just about 12W pregnant with baby #3, so not super far along. I work full time (remotely, which I am incredibly thankful for), however, I have a project I’ve been working that is looking like I will be working well into the evening and late nights for the next 2-3 weeks. So possibly 14-16 hr days (I can flex hours a bit, so possibly take time off during the day, but due to nature of job it’s hard to d”

“Hi all, mother to a 2 year old with another on the way. Work a very demanding corporate job and want to stay full time when I return from mat leave. My partner also works full time though his job is less demanding and more flexible. Are we doomed to be miserable? Any tips for how to make the next 2-4 years not totally hellish logistically? We’ll be hiring a nanny, but anything else? submitted by /u/melissaomalbec [link] [comments]”

“I am thinking of taking a 6 to 12 month job break when baby number two arrives, as last time nursing was pretty intense with my demanding job. We have an amazing nanny that we’ve had for 2 years & she’s expressed interest in staying with us until the second baby goes to school at age 3. She is absolutely fantastic! I am thinking of keeping her on during my job break, so that we don’t lose her & I have help ready whenever I’m up for another job and am hired (I know it can take some time.)”

“I was just promoted and am 14 weeks pregnant. I have a few direct employees and I’m waffling between waiting on telling work (I’m working remote, not showing and feeling fine so I don’t need to) to just telling them to give them the maximum amount of time to prep for my absence. Also because as we are hiring more people I think my impending leave should be taken into account as resources are allocated. My concern is I want them to see me as capable and be glad they hired me for this spot before”

“I work 3 12 hour shifts in a small hospital that is probably 2-3 minute drive from my baby’s daycare. My hours are 6:45 am- 7:15 pm with a 30 min commute one way. Daycare opens at 6:30 am so I have just enough time to drop off my kids and go to work. Daycare closes at 5:30 pm. My husband gets off around 3:30 but normally doesn’t make it to pick up until 4-4:30. I feel like that is a long day for my kids, especially my baby to be there. My daughter who is three started going to daycare when she w”

“I’ll be WFH when I return to work in a month. We’ve set up a garage desk for me. Baby will be with dad or part time nanny during the workday. We made this plan specifically so that I wouldn’t have to pump because I hate it. Plus baby doesn’t even take a bottle and I’d prefer not to stress over making this happen. My therapist and a friend of mine made me feel like this is a crazy plan. I know it’s not the norm these days but I feel like I’m privileged to even have this as a choice. I guess I’m j”

“Looking for advice! I'm staying a new job on Monday at 35 weeks pregnant. I'm trying to think about how to discuss my pregnancy with my new manager. For some background, I did interview onsite at about 30 weeks pregnant, I did not say anything about my pregnancy but I do feel like my bump would've been pretty obvious so they could've easily made the assumption before the offer. Once I received the offer, I did disclose with HR to ensure I get maternity leave in early September (w”

“I am 14 weeks with my third and just got promoted to manager for the first time! I have been a high performing individual contributor for years and am ready for the step… Wasn’t expecting this, the timing of all of it coincided at the worst time! I applied for this at like 8 weeks along. I don’t want to tell them for a few more weeks. I won’t start the new role for another month. It’s a lot…. Also, I got a 9% increase and I’m having a conversation to ask for more as I was expecting over 10% base”

“I know there are a handful of posts on this topic, hoping to get some guidance on my specific scenario. I am wondering when I should let HR, my admin, and team know I am expecting. - I will be entering my second trimester late September (I return to school late August) - I work primarily with our behavioral and ED students. - I’ll be reporting to a new admin this school year. Principal remains the same. - Union protected, not tenured yet - My goal is to pace myself, emotionally and physically. T”

“I am really struggling with a career decision. I’m currently 5 months pregnant and have been at my current job for 5 years. Current job: Salary: $65,000 (been stagnant for 2 years) Qualify for paid maternity leave Very flexible schedule Great work-life balance 30 minute commute The downsides are that raises are slow, advancement opportunities are limited, and I’ve started feeling professionally stagnant. Sometimes I’m bored with the work and don’t feel like I’m reaching my full potential. We als”

“I started a new job when baby turned 6 months, he’s almost 11 months. It’s a bit more time consuming than my old one but the salary, benefits, and working hours were much more suitable to my family. With that being said, I am continuing to struggle with just feeling organized. My brain feels idk.. scattered??? I was never like that before a baby and I really am getting a bit frustrated why I can’t keep myself organized. I can’t tell if I want this or not. I find my mind is also just feeling torn”

“I work in real estate and the ladies I work for can be very competitive and unforgiving. They came back to work after 8 weeks for the first child and 4 weeks after their second. I have taken 12 weeks and it’s not enough. I want 6 months with my baby and honestly I never liked the job anyway. If I don’t come back they will never forgive me and take it horribly. I know I can get another job in a town closer to my parents within the next 6 months - we have many connections that will ensure this. Th”

“Baby #1. I work in corporate in tech in California, WFH job. Nearing end of first trimester and unsure when to inform my HR/ my boss. For context, I started this new job 3 months ago - sort of worried about the optics being so new and already telling them I’m pregnant. unsure if I should hold off well into second trimester - also want to inform for the job protection. they have good mat leave policy and benefits. Appreciate advice thank you! submitted by /u/UpstairsReference336 [link”

“This is my first baby and I’m likely going to be getting a c-section. I am getting hired to start a new role after Mat leave and negotiated 20weeks before starting. I can afford longer but if I want the job I have to start then. I’m curious if this is enough time to heal and bond with baby? submitted by /u/Senior-Post9925 [link] [comments]”

“My co-worker is pregnant with her first child. She shared with me early on that she was doing IVF. My husband and I were also TTC #2 around the same time, coincidentally. I became/am pregnant. Turns out she is due two weeks before me. We are both later in our first trimester now. I have not shared my news with her, nor with anyone else at my workplace yet, but I am also starting to show (you really do get big the second time around quicker). She works remotely, so she can hide it much longer tha”

“Hello Should you wait till offer is during or after signing offer to disclose 6 month pregnancy? (US) Small to mid size company. Thanks submitted by /u/Anondreamyanon [link] [comments]”

“I asked this before and you were all correct and I didn't disclose at the interview. I accepted a job at a small company that I previously worked for. THERE. IS. NO. HR. DEPARTMENT. It is a small business with only 2 other people there including my boss. And a handful of volunteers. When do I tell my boss? I want to annouce on social media soon to my friends. I can always try and block my boss and coworker. Other than that I have no idea. All I know is that if I disclose they can't legal”

“This is going to be my second year teaching, and I’m expecting my first baby in February. When is an appropriate time to tell admin that you’re expecting? I’ll be about 16 weeks pregnant by the time school starts. I’m feeling a bit nervous about it as it is only my second year teaching and I still feel fairly new to the school, so I have no idea how to go about telling admin that I’m expecting. submitted by /u/Silver-Aside1647 [link] [comments]”

“I’m about 4.5 weeks along w my 2nd kiddo, and am just wondering how long you waited/when some of y’all disclosed to your workplace that you are pregnant. I am not worried about any negative reactions from my firm, but just wanna see what you guys have done and what would be most appropriate. submitted by /u/Fuzzy_Book_7229 [link] [comments]”

With my first I worked until 4 days before his birth.

“#1: Was 39w6d on my planned last day. Baby came on 40w1d. #2: Planned to work until due date. Woke up in labor and missed my last two days though. #3: Also planned to work until due date, but at 38w3d, went into labor at school. That was fun. Yep, American system is great. That maximized the time I could spend with baby in all cases though, so I would still repeat it all the same way.”

“Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from moms a bit further ahead than me. I’m 33! I recently returned to work after having my daughter in March (she’s 4 months old). I work remotely and currently have a nanny 4 days a week. I cover the one day. I increased from 3 to 4 nanny days for more flexibility and mental health. I’ve been in my role for 4 years and it’s very stable and flexible. I could comfortably stay here a while longer. however, I genuinely want to get promoted and I have the skills t”

“Hey everyone! Apologies if this has been asked before. I am currently pregnant with my first child. I have been in my role for over 10 years and do love the job. It’s stressful at times as a manager but I’ve definitely been a high performer. I am connected to work and find it hard to disconnect. I have realized my emotions are kind of tied a bit at work when things are stressful. I have done well and gotten praise but if I a mistake happens or there’s annoying corporate stuff, I find it hard to”

“Hello! My company (A) lost the contract for my job. Company B wants to hire me. Neither company knows I am pregnant. Company A is willing to relocate me to a different contract, but I think the offer from company B is better, plus, since they are taking over the contract that company A lost so I can essentially keep my same job…. Which would be a huge stress relief! The problem is the timeline and dealing with maternity leave. Company A has until the end of the year to transition away from the c”

“Hi , i was just recently hired for a new job . I’m in the middle of orientation and I start on the floor next week . I’m not due until the end of November . I work in the healthcare field . I’m super nervous about telling my manager i’m pregnant I don’t want them to think I blind sided them being that i never mentioned it in the interview . I have a low risk pregnancy. I don’t hardly ever get sick. I’m starting to show more . I’m trying to figure out when should I say something . Please help ! &”

“My company has a generous parental leave allotment. I'm fortunate. My team at work has also been incredibly supportive of our pregnancy journey. LO is now two months old. I've been on leave for two months and have two more months of leave ahead of me. A couple colleagues have asked for updates on how things are going. I feel like they're looking for or expecting new baby bliss...but honestly it has been a serious struggle. At one week old, we spent several nights admitted to the chil”

“they called me for an interview when i was about 10 weeks pregnant & miraculously, they (conditionally) hired me this time. i just have to pass background tests, fingerprints, & a drug test. i’ve been gunning for a position with the state for years, its interesting timing of course. tentatively i would start training in august - its not set in stone at this moment. by the time my training is over & i get my first check i would be 4 months along, & i can’t use any vacation time fo”

“27F. I work for a super reputable company in marketing. I got promoted when I was 5 months pregnant (1.7 years into this job). Before being promoted and before being pregnant I was aiming for this new competition for a better pay but I didn't get pass the interview. Now at the end of my maternity, the competition reached out themselves offering me a better pay than my post promotion one. The catch is - my current job is offering 2 days wfh out of 5 working days. The new company does not have”

“Hello I a mom to a one year old daughter. I work full time remote (although remote my job requires me to be at a desk the 80-85% of time). Everyday work looks a little different. Some days I am able to give my daughter more than 3 hours of my attention. Sometimes only 2. And by attention I mean doing activities like taking her out to the park etc not the necessities.I don’t need anyone bashing me about this because we are trying our best here. Work however has become extremely stressful and comp”

“My birthday is coming up and I'm trying to think of some items to add to my wish list. Normally, I'm all for experiences but we're in a period of transition, where my kid is about to start kindergarten and my husband was laid off and is looking for jobs. It's just not a good time for a trip, which is what I would really like to do. So, I'm hoping someone can help me think of something practical and life improving that is relatively inexpensive, as I know my husband wants to g”

“First work trip (Sunday through Friday). Baby is 7.5 months. Dad and nanny will be taking care of him this week. Just FaceTimed him (this is like 1 hour after he woke up, so to him I’ve only been ‘gone’ like 1 hour). He immediately started crying and looked so freakin sad. I knew this would be hard. Now I’m worried he’ll be traumatized by this. I know logically he won’t, but it’s still so hard. Bout to wear sunglasses through this airport to hide my red watery eyes. Please send support and posit”