While many women choose to keep their pregnancy a secret from their employers and even their colleagues until they begin to "show" (usually around the second trimester), this may not always work to your advantage. First, in order to take advantage of all the legal protections offered to pregnant women in the workplace, clearly, the sooner your employer is aware of your pregnancy, the sooner those protections can kick in. But perhaps more importantly, many of the most significant pregnancy-related symptoms-like morning sickness, fatigue, even temporary memory loss-are likely to occur during your first trimester. If your co-workers (or particularly your boss) don't have a reason behind what may seem like increasingly odd behavior on your part, they may just assume something a lot more debilitating than pregnancy! Another point in favor of revealing your news early: If your job involves any factors that could potentially cause harm to you or your baby, the sooner you let your boss know you are pregnant the sooner you can make the necessary changes-and ultimately the better off you and your baby will be. To properly make your announcement, experts say don't let your news "slip out" as you pass your boss on the way to the water cooler. Instead, request a formal meeting to discuss an important issue-without giving any hints about your pregnancy. Come to the meeting prepared to provide your boss with the following information:
Once the meeting with your boss or supervisor has concluded, follow-up with a short, written memo that recaps your conversation. Your memo should state the approximate time when you expect to stop working, the length of your leave, how your work will get done in your absence, and your plans for returning after your baby is born. Keep a copy of the letter for your files, including the date it was submitted. When To Stop Working - and When To Return Continued › |
Your Pregnancy 9 to 5
Excerpted from Your Perfectly Pampered Pregnancy
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