If you have told people at work that you are pregnant, you may become aware of how accommodating your boss your colleagues, or your company's parenting policies are, or how inflexibly and impersonally the needs of new parents are handled. This may provide a completely new perspective of your workplace and gives you a glimpse of the professional environment in to which you may have to integrate your parenting goals. How your company meets your needs as a pregnancy begins is usually indicative of how your requests will be met as a parent in the future. Timing the announcement



If you haven't yet told your employer, time it well. Even though you don't have to tell your boss about your pregnancy until 30 days before you begin maternity leave, it's best not to wait until your pregnancy is obvious. Many women wait until the end of the first trimester. By then the risk of miscarriage is low, and you may have already had first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities and CVS showing a normal pregnancy. If you have extreme fatigue or morning sickness, or if your job is very stressful, speak with your boss earlier so that you can negotiate changes to your schedule that will help you to be more comfortable and productive.

Your timing may depend on how your manager has handled previous pregnancies in your company. If you expect an unfavorable reaction, wait until you have demonstrated your productivity as a pregnant employee. Right after the successful completion of a project, for example, would make a perfect occasion to connect your pregnancy with your ability to work well.

Considering the needs of your boss and colleagues

Make sure you are fully informed about your maternity leave options and approach your boss with a plan for your transition out of work, time away, and return to work. Most managers will appreciate that you have thought not only of your own needs but also of those of your colleagues and company. This may put you in a favorable position to negotiate flexible work hours during your pregnancy.

Since your job will be held during your absence, your colleagues may be the recipients of your assignments when you leave. They may wonder whether you will return to work and take back your workload. Assure them that you are aware of their concerns and interested in smooth transitions for all involved.

Tips For Working Moms To Be

Certain practical measures can make a significant difference to the way you feel at work, and consequently, your productivity. Try the following tips.

Break your lunch hour in to more frequent, shorter breaks of 15 to 20 minutes.

Rest during your breaks. Close your eyes and allow your self to cat nap.

Keep a supply of snacks at work. Frequent snacking helps combat pregnancy nausea.

Keep a glass of water handy and drink throughout the day. Try to empty your glass at least four times during an 8 hour day and go to the bathroom frequently.

Try walking around as much as possible to increase circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots in your legs, which are more common in pregnancy.

If you stand up for most of the day, try and get some time sitting down with your feet up every hour.