Balancing Work And Pregnancy

Women who worked hard to climb the corporate ladder worry the boss will put them on the “mummy track,” giving them less-challenging projects.

This is of particular concern to women who are on a partnership track and need to demonstrate certain skills to advance.

Others fear their manager will work them extra hard so they can do as much as possible before taking maternity leave.

But you can’t keep your pregnancy a secret forever, and it’s best to start planning early how you’ll transition to maternity leave. Most experts suggest telling the boss your news after the first trimester, a time when the risk for a miscarriage greatly decreases.

The only time to tell the boss sooner would be if you’re experiencing a difficult pregnancy or severe morning sickness, and need to take time off from work. No matter what, tell the boss before other colleagues–it’s a sign of respect.

Once you inform the boss, meet with human resources to discuss how much maternity leave your state and company offers and what portion of the leave is paid. Each state provides different leave plans. It’s also a good time to re-read the company handbook, since it provides information on the firm’s policies.

Read the rest of the story at SMH