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Together · 30 min

Talking to work about your pregnancy

Prepare for the conversation with your employer: what you want to say, what you want to ask, and where to find out your rights.

30 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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Telling work about a pregnancy can bring up mixed feelings: excitement, worry about how it will be received, uncertainty about what comes next. Preparing a little, and knowing where to check your rights, can make the conversation feel steadier.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Find out what applies to you before you talk. An official advice service, your union, or your workplace policy can tell you about time off for appointments, leave and pay where you live.

  2. Write down what you want to say and when you are thinking of telling people, and the questions you want to ask: appointments, any changes to your work, leave.

  3. Ask for a short private meeting with your manager or human resources. Keep it simple: I wanted to let you know that I am pregnant, and talk through what happens next.

  4. Afterwards, write a short note of what was agreed, with the date, and ask for anything important in writing.

The reason

Why it helps

Knowing your position in advance makes it easier to ask for what you need. A short written note keeps everyone clear on what was agreed. Many people find the conversation goes more smoothly than they feared once they have prepared.

A gentle variation

If you are self-employed, think about who needs to know: clients, a business partner, anyone you work with regularly, and make a simple plan for cover. If you are worried about how you will be treated, speak to an advice service before the meeting.

One hand resting over another on a wooden table

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

Practise what you want to say with your partner or a friend, and ask them to play your manager so you can try out your questions.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

This week, look up an official advice service for pregnancy at work where you live, and note one question to ask.

Add it to your day

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