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While it is an exciting time, it can also be daunting. Not only do you have to potentially deal with the side effects of pregnancy and parental planning, but simultaneously you are dealing with big career changes! It used to be difficult for people who are pregnant to change jobs, but that is not and should not be the case!
As a new employee you may not qualify for certain maternity benefits, in some cases you have to work past your probationary period or even up to two years to be entitled to a fully paid maternity leave. The first thing you need to do is research maternity policies at the company you’re interviewing with to understand your eligibility for paid maternity leave and what you will be entitled to.
A good recruiter will be able to guide you through the benefits offered by numerous different companies and clients.
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against pregnant people. The problem here is that discrimination is difficult to prove, in the past many employers may have rejected applications the second they find out someone is pregnant. While this seems like an archaic reaction in the 21st century, the problem is that some employers may still behave in such a manner.
Unfortunately there are still risks to revealing it upon receiving the job offer letter, as you’ll need to clear background checks and references before the job is yours.
The safest time to disclose your pregnancy is after you’ve passed all checks, countersigned the job offer letter and received confirmation of acceptance. This is a common strategy that unfortunately people who are expecting have to use all the time.
Do not feel any guilt about withholding your pregnancy. You and your family come first. And as always you want to make sure the baby is doing well before you tell anyone. Just because you are pregnant does not mean you don’t deserve to take risks that can help your career in the long run.
