I am pregnant and I am about to start my new job.

Nurses General Nursing

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I just found that I am less than a month pregnant and honestly, I didn't know this during the interview process. In fact, I had tested myself for home pregnancy test twice before searching for jobs just to prevent this kind of situation.

I'm really in dilemma right now, this is my first pregnancy and we were married for 5 years. I am so happy for this great news but there's a part of me feeling guilty towards my employer. I don't want to disappoint them and I don't want them to think that I trick them.

What do you think is the best time to tell them about this? Do you think I have to wait after first trimester?

Has anyone in this situation before?

Specializes in Public Health.

Wait until you start showing. It's not really their business until you approach your due date unless you need time off.

This happened to me. I actually found out a few days after getting the job. They're super supportive. I was honest with coworkers so I don't have to lift heavy patients alone and management found out. I also got offered another job at 6 months pregnant (I'm 29 weeks now) you'd be surprised how much most employers do not mind.

You could tell them right away if you feel that there are any parts of the job you cant handle. Or if you think at this time you could go about your job with no concerns then maybe wait a few months before feeling like you need them to know. Some people wait till after 12 weeks before telling anyone they are pregnant. Unless something like morning sickness or any other complications should arise before that I really dont think they need to know. After such time then go ahead and tell them the news they will work around it they always do. Also if you give yourself this time to prove to them of your nursing skills then they will be able to see you as an asset to their department.

I had this happen to me when I took a HS teaching position. I found out the day before the interview but I didn't tell them. I told them once I hit 12 weeks. They were very supportive! Even when I went on bed rest the last 7 weeks (and I have since switched occupations and starting NS in August)

You and your family come first. Women get pregnant all the time. It is none of your employer's business!

Do not feel bad. It's part of life. You don't need to tell them unless you need accommodations. Not their business.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Do not feel bad. It's part of life. You don't need to tell them unless you need accommodations. Not their business.

I agree that unless OP needs accommodations now I'd probably wait til 12 weeks but I appreciate that she is planning to tell them she didn't realize until she got the job. It is a part of life and I think most places are very supportive and genuinely happy for their coworker however it almost always requires assistance by coworkers at some point so I think she by telling them it wasn't known is being sensitive to this possibility.

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Congratulations! That happened to me twice. The second time I wasn't pregnant when I interviewed, but conceived before receiving an offer (longer hiring process.) I did tell the manager before accepting the offer because I wasn't legally entitled to FMLA, and I wanted to see if I could negotiate a 12 week maternity leave.

When you tell is completely up to you. If there are safety issues (such as high reproductive risk drugs given to patients or infections like CMV that you cannot be exposed to) you would need to tell them as soon as possible. Otherwise tell them when you feel comfortable telling them. Do not worry about disappointing them or putting them in a difficult place. They realize that there are many women of childbearing age in the nursing profession, and that babies happen. :dummy: :)

Enjoy your pregnancy, and wishing you the best in your new job!

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I got pregnant when I started a new job & I told my boss as soon as I found out. I was sick as a dog ("morning" sickness my butt) & I went off my Topamax so my epilepsy reared its ugly head. He was awesome to me when I called in so much. I figured he was ready to fire me, he never did. I told him I wasn't able to work any more (plus the job was 1+ hour away) & he was really bummed about it. So it all depends on your situation.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I wouldn't say anything until you started showing, or you needed accommodations.

Specializes in Pedi.

You're less than a month pregnant, I don't think anyone will think you intentionally tried to deceive them. It's not like you're 6 months and purposely came to the interview wearing a giant coat that you never removed. An aide I once worked with did that... somewhat surprisingly she still works on the floor many years later. I can practically guarantee that this is not the first time this has happened to this employer.

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