When Should I Tell Work I’m Pregnant?

What Real Women Wish They Knew

Apr 18, 2025

It’s the question that keeps so many of us up at night - not because we’re unsure about the pregnancy (we’ve got enough tests and symptoms to confirm that), but because the moment we tell work, everything could flip on its head.

So I asked you:

When did you tell your employer you were pregnant - and would you do it the same way again?

Here’s what came in: raw, funny, sad, wise and here’s what we can all learn from it.

What Real Women Did

1. Waited until the ink was dry.

“Didn’t tell until my permanent contract was in my inbox… emailed boss next day.”
“Waited until after pay rises / bonuses were decided that year.”

2. Knew their rights - and used them.

“Told them I was coming back and that they legally had to give my role back.”
“Got my own risk assessment in writing as a Google doc, updated every time it wasn’t followed.”

3. Joined a union (or at least looped them in).

“Join a union before you tell.”
“Told HR before manager in case anything went wrong.”

4. Delayed telling to avoid early discrimination.

“Told them as late as possible so the discrimination started later.”
“Didn’t tell until after my 6-month probation and 12-week scan.”

5. Documented everything.

“Scheduled a performance review before I told them. Got good rating documented.”
“Forwarded emails with any discriminatory ‘jokes’ to my personal email.”

What the Law Says (UK)

Notice period: You don’t legally have to inform your employer you’re pregnant until 15 weeks before your due date. However, many recommend telling them after your 12-week scan or once your probationary period ends, especially if you're worried about job security.
Protection from discrimination: You are protected from discrimination from the moment you become pregnant, even if you haven’t informed your employer yet. This means they can’t treat you unfairly just because you’re expecting.
Risk assessments: Once you inform your employer, they are required to conduct a risk assessment, particularly if your role involves heavy lifting, exposure to hazardous chemicals, or long working hours. This should be updated regularly.
Dismissal: It's illegal for your employer to dismiss you simply because you’re pregnant. Unfortunately, discrimination and unfair treatment still happen, so knowing your rights and seeking support is crucial.

What the Law Says (Most of the World)

Notification timing: While the exact timing varies by country, most places require you to inform your employer of your pregnancy a certain number of weeks before your due date - typically between 12 and 16 weeks. In some regions, it’s common to notify them after your first trimester.
Non-discrimination: Many countries have strong laws prohibiting workplace discrimination based on pregnancy, meaning employers cannot treat you unfairly because you’re pregnant, whether you’ve officially notified them or not.
Maternity leave and pay: In most places, employees are entitled to a period of maternity leave, with some countries offering paid leave. The length of the leave and the amount of pay vary widely depending on the country and local laws.

Realistically: What You Can Do

Create a handover plan: Outline what you’ll complete before mat leave and who takes over what.
Ask for a return-to-work plan: Pre-set expectations now.
Set boundaries: You are not working on maternity leave. Period.
Keep things in writing: Every convo, every change, every concern - email it to yourself.
Ask for a risk assessment: In writing. Regularly updated.

What I’d Tell a Friend (you!)

If you’re worried about job security or how they’ll take the news:

Buy yourself time.

Do your homework.

Protect your peace.

And know that the law is on your side… whether they act like it or not - make sure they know, you know that.