by Fiori Woldemariam

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2011

Having had to tell bosses four times that I am pregnant I feel I have subject matter expertise on the topic. And part of me just wants to simply answer the question by shouting just tell him or her. In all fairness for those who are a bit apprehensive about the task, this article will give you some useful tips on how to convey such wonderful news.

First it is wonderful news so be positive when you are ready to share; assuming you think it is positive news. When to tell your company about your pregnancy is a personal decision and there is no legal requirement that forces you to notify an employer. One of the first things you should probably do is review your employee handbook to find out how your company handles childbirth benefits and what if any requirements they may have.

You may also want to talk to other women who have given birth at your company to get a glimpse of your managements approach to pregnancies. One thing worth mentioning is that the employee handbook may spell out the benefits available to you, but ultimately the nature of your relationship with you manager, your work performance and your manager's experience with child rearing will contribute to your experience when you formally announce your pregnancy.

There are different factors that determine as to when you should tell your boss you are pregnant. You can tell you boss right after you pass your first trimester when the pregnancy is out of the miscarriage danger zone. Depending on your profession you may need to tell your boss as sooner in a hazardous work zone that maybe unsafe for the unborn baby. For example, as a chemist you may work with chemicals that may be deemed unsafe; which would force you to tell as soon as you become aware.

For some that have difficult pregnancies that force them to go on bed-rest they may need to notify their bosses sooner than later. For others who are pregnant for multiple times, their pregnancy becomes pretty obvious so you are forced to tell.

If you have a choice, which means your pregnancy does not impact your job performance at all, then delay telling your boss as long as you can, the longest I did was up to six months along in my pregnancy. You want to demonstrate that you can be pregnant and be strong contributor. Manage your self and your work to garner confidence in your ability.

Now that we have discussed the different timing aspects, we will touch how you should tell your boss. Be a matter a fact about the pregnancy announcement. Share with your boss the things that you have learned about your company's policies related to the pregnancy. Discuss with him/her the timing of your delivery and other immediate impacts to your job performance, such as monthly visits. Assure your boss that while your health comes first that you do not plan to allow your pregnancy to prevent you from performing your job duties, unless special accommodations need to be made.

No employer can fire you because you become pregnant, and when you have decided when is the best time to tell you boss be prepared to address any concerns they may have about your ability to perform your job.

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