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The Global Insight

When to tell your supervisor you are pregnant?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 23, 2026

It’s acceptable to wait to tell your boss until your pregnancy is 14 to 20 weeks along. That way, you can also point out you can still do your job while carrying a child. If you can, consider timing your announcement to coincide with the completion of a project or another milestone.

Can you refuse to employ someone who is pregnant?

You must not discriminate against someone you employ, or are considering employing, because of: their pregnancy. an illness related to their pregnancy, including related time off.

Do you tell HR or your boss first that you are pregnant?

When to deliver the news If you directly report to someone, tell her first. “For bosses, a lot of the same guidelines apply as for employees, particularly with timing and communication,” Huang says. That means you’ll most likely be sharing your pregnancy news around the three- to four-month mark.

Can a manager ask an employee if they are pregnant?

Federal law does not prohibit employers from asking you whether you are or intend to become pregnant.

What week is a miscarriage most likely?

Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies. As many as half of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage.

What to say when telling boss you’re pregnant?

You might try something like: I’m excited to share with you the good news that I’m pregnant. I’m due on [your due date] and I’m hoping to work until [your planned date] before taking maternity leave.

What qualifies as pregnancy discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination involves treating a woman (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth.

How many hours can a pregnant woman work a day?

Legally, pregnant women can continue to work the average 40 hours a week or the hours that they were working previously. However, a pregnant employee must only continue to work these hours if it is safe to do so, physically and emotionally.

How often should a pregnant woman get a break at work?

The American Medical Association recommends that employers accommodate a woman’s increased physical requirements during pregnancy by allowing her to take breaks every few hours, with a longer meal break every four hours. There are also steps you can take to stay as comfortable as possible.

How to manage pregnant employees and handle maternity leave?

Take into account that an employee’s maternity leave will be triggered where she gives birth early or is absent for a pregnancy-related reason in the four weeks before her expected week of childbirth.

Can a employer remove a pregnant woman from a job?

An employer does not have to keep you in a job that you are unable to do or in which you would pose a significant safety risk for others in the workplace. However, your employer cannot remove you from your job or place you on leave because it believes that work would pose a risk to you or your pregnancy .

What happens if you announce your pregnancy at work?

Announcing your pregnancy may unfortunately and unfairly raise concerns from coworkers and management (like whether you’ll keep working throughout your pregnancy, or return to work after maternity leave).

What are the legal rights of pregnant workers?

Legal Rights of Pregnant Workers under Federal Law If you are pregnant, have been pregnant, or may become pregnant, and if your employer has 15 or more employees, you are protected against pregnancy-based discrimination and harassment at work under federal law.