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Pixie
is it smart to bring up maternity policies before starting a job?
Asked by Pixie
I was hired (haven't started yet) but am planning to get pregnant ASAP. I haven't decided yet what I will do once I do get pregnant. Should I discuss this with the employer out of respect for them or not? I would feel bad if it happened a month from start date. Any experience/advice on your part?

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Best Answer:
depending on the company, and it's size, this is a standard benefit for many employers. they may not call it by "maternity leave, but it could be included in what they offer. check them out on the web if you can or their policy and procedure documents to find out what benefits they offer.

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no
Answered by angelgirl12014

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You should definitely be upfront about it. Of course, by doing so, it's likely you would have a lot of difficulty finding a job. However, if you don't and you suddenly turned up pregnant right after you start, it's not going to make a good impression on your employer and could make your time there difficult and unrewarding. Neither way is ideal. The smart thing to do would be to wait a while after you start before getting pregnany. At least 6 months, if not a year.
Answered by CarlaCCC

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It's noble that you're looking out for your employer and want to be honest, but I think you're getting ahead of yourself. There's a very good chance that you will be viewed differently by your employer and may not advance as quickly as you'd like with-in the company. There's also a chance that you won't get pregnant as soon as you start trying. Why address an issue that doesn't exist yet? After you start, you can find co-workers that you are comfortable with and casually ask them about the company's maternity policies.
Answered by leah_ifft@sbcglobal.net

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no. you can raise that later when your job has been secured.
Answered by huynh n

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I wouldn't bring it up. Unless it's a very small company, and maybe even if it is, you'll probably get an employee manual when you start working for them, and it should detail maternity policies. If you bring it up right away, they might feel negative toward you - it's not right, but it happens.
Answered by Judy

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After the interview, after selection, and get it in writing along with other benefits, but before you start the job.
Answered by LaMorena

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No I wouldn't because your new employer will know you will have time off not something you bring up. If you want to go through your 90 day grace period. If you do become pregnant there is nothing they can do unless they want a law suite...Also read your human resource book or ask for one and company policy would be better
Answered by J_Lady26

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I think you shouldn't because they can make up another excuse why you didn't get hired but if you are already pregnant then they can't fire you because that's discrimination and they don't want that under their belt so just kick back until it's time to tell.
Answered by blondearies123

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no but if i were you, i would ask for the jobs workbook or whatever so you could learn more about the place. say that. then you would see their policy AND look smart at the same time, haha
Answered by Brandon A

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. It is perfectly fine to ask about it as ONE of the things you want to know. That is make sure you also discuss other issues from sick leave to stock options etc etc. Try to cleverly and casually sneak it in after a related issue like healthcare for example. Just make sure its not the first thing you ask or you don't dig too deep into it or seem to be obsessed about it. Even better if you can read about it in some sort of policy document rather than asking in person. You don't at all have to let them know about your plan to get pregnant, after all there is a possibility that it could take you longer than you wish in which case you would have raised a false alarm. Good luck! .
Answered by kevinrtx

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If you want to keep your job until you are well established, I would not mention pregnancy!! It may not happen for awhile and if you mention it, you may not be there at all.
Answered by missingora

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I wouldn't bring it up until after you get pregnant. At least by then you will have started your benefits and such. If this is a job you are planning to make your career/life out of, then you can tell them.....otherwise....mum is the word.
Answered by Johnny Bravo

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If you're PLANNING on getting pregnant ASAP that's very unfair to your employer. You should either wait a year or decline the job. Starting a new job is very stressful especially for a pregnant woman. And you would be getting morning sickness etc and that's unfair to the employer.
Answered by ☼♀♥♠♣J.W. ♫♪♦♥

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if you want the job.. say nothing
Answered by car_craze_gal 1970

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I think you need to ask for an employee handbook and look and see what it says. But, I think that maternity leave is more than a work policy it is the law and ever women is entitled to it and every man.
Answered by Questions&Answers

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Only if you really don't want to get hired. Who wants to hire someone who will go on maternity leave in a few months? When it comes down to the wire, you or someone else, it is going to be a factor. If the other person isn't planning children, or keeps this personal information to herself, she is likely to be choosen. When I was in HR, had I been presented two ladies of equal qualifications, but one had stated she planned on becoming pregnant soon, I would definitely look harder at the other prospect. Maternity leave, no matter how necessary, is a disruption in the workplace. Others have to cover for you while still doing their own work. It is best to keep your plans to yourself. It may be months before you actually get pregnant. They don't need to know. It's personal.
Answered by Davanee

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NONONONONO either way- if it happens tomorrow or 12 months from now it's none of their business. Even though its illegal for them to not hire you because you plan on having children in the near future there are PLENTY of reasons that they can make up to avoid hiring a medical liability. Also - they can't hold it against you if you become pregnant and have to take medical leave although if it's not part of company policy they do not have to pay you for your leave. They do however have to hold your job for 6 weeks past the birth (8 for C section) without firing you. That's part of MI law anyhow. Check with your co-workers whom you trust, ask your HR rep about as a 'what if' scenario, read your Employee Handbook. Don't tell them, oh, BTW I plan on getting pregnant in the next 3 months so don't assign me to any high profile accounts. Good luck with your job and your babies :)
Answered by gummybear1772

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Just freaking great! Sounds parasitic to me. It's an excellent ethical question. The employer hired you because they need someone to do the job you were hired to do. I'm sure they don't expect you to get pregnant and need maternity leave within the first year of employment. You're a woman so there's not much they can do about it. The right thing to do is tell your employer that you plan on needing maternity leave within the first year of employment, then the burden is on them. That creates the possibility that they will unhire you or let you go within the probation period where no cause is necessary. Most people will advise you to take advantage of the employer and just keep quiet until you're pregnant and past your probation period. Why are you trying to get a job and get pregnant at the same time? For the health benefits? Well, good luck with the job and the pregnancy. At least you're asking the question, but I'm sure you'll take the self-preservation road and I can't say that I wouldn't do the same (well, you know what I mean).
Answered by Dad

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Why are you even applying for jobs if you intend to get pregnant. Why not just stay home and get pregnant! This kind of mentality is exactly why employers pay women less than men and SHOULD. Just after they get you up to snuff you intend to leave and what, probably use thier health plan to cut your costs! So not fair If this is what Woman's Lib is about I hope you never get liberated!
Answered by Earl D

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I wouldn't bring it up. Most companies have major insurance, and it is the law that you get maternity leave when you have your baby. Don't worry about it.
Answered by Armygirl91

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Do not say anything now, you will learn about it when you go to orientation. Review benefit booklet to find out how long you have to work for maternity to be covered. Best Wishes!!
Answered by Pepper

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no it is not smart, don't bring it up. They will not hire you because i know i wouldn't either if you had this planed already because they would know you start and get pregnant and they had learned you the job or whatever. They would feel as if they are waisting time with you while they could have someone who wouldn't want to get pregnant and stay in the firm a lot longer than you.
Answered by ♥Me♥

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I wouldn't bring it up. I would just read the policies/benefits package and make sure I'd be covered. People get pregnant accidentally anyway. It just happens, but I applaud you on making sure you have your job secured first. In most families, both parents have to work now and days; you might as well be financially secure before having the baby.
Answered by questdreams

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A couple of years ago I would have said, "Yes." That was before I was laid off after 15 yrs of dedicated service because it was "just business". Now I look out for myself. Do NOT discuss children or parenting. This has killed more than one woman's career--I know, I've seen it happen many times. You have to look out for yourself and for your best interests. And right now that is a steady income and job security. You will only jeopardize it by bringing up babies. Sounds harsh, but that's Corporate America for you.
Answered by Doe

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Ask the HR ("Human Resources"/"Personnel") people you talk to, but not the hiring manager - the person who will be your boss. Many companies give you a packet of information on benefits, policies, etc. when you interview. That may contain what you want to know so that you won't have to ask.
Answered by pollux

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noo dont say anything unless u want to lose ur job i say maybe wait for those 3 months of probation just to make sure that u will have all the benefits that they offer and then get pregnant or if u already are pregnant by then, then let them now.. congrats btw for both things, the new job and wanting to get pregnant! :) hope everything works out
Answered by weeklly_drama

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Check your employment offer, the terms and conditions. It should be written there (ie. medical and sick leave, etc.). I'm sure, those are included in the company policies.
Answered by Sam X9

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You would be BEGGING them to think of a reason not to hire you if you did that. Employers, in general, need to be able to plan in terms of many months and years ahead. By signaling your intention to accept training and pay, then (about when you will just be getting good at your job) that you will drop out for maternity leave for six months or more, you leave them with the impression that-- 1) You are only after the job to get insurance to pay for the delivery 2) You will not be serious about mastering the job's requirements because you are planning to drop out. 3) That the money and time they spend training you is wasted because they'll have to train someone else to cover for you, then give you your job back when you decide to come back, leaving the replacement with no place to go. I'm NOT saying don't get pregnant, and I'm NOT saying its proper for businesses to discriminate. I AM saying that they need to hire according to the needs of the business, and many HR managers would think twice abut bringing in someone who would likely not even work one full year.
Answered by chocolahoma

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Clarify that you aren't currently pregnant. You ask because you see yourself remaining in this job for some time. You ask because in years to come, you may choose to have a family. You are interested in how this could impact the job if you make that choice someday. If they know you want to get pregnancy very quickly, they may choose someone who hasn't indicated this was their plan. Afterall, covering an employee through maternity leave or hiring someone who might not come back after the baby is born is a big risk.
Answered by whozethere

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No. Consider the fact that there's usually a probation period. Medical benefits and leave of absence may be desired, depending upon your financial situation.
Answered by Rescue A

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I'd say don't ask, but get a copy of the employees' handbook and find out. I think it would be sporting of you to delay getting pregnant until you're well-established in this new job and know your routine well enough to instruct a substitute in it (for the time off that you'll need after delivery). You also need to wait until your health insurance is fully effective, and some employers make you wait three months. A pregnancy started before the coverage kicks in is a pregnancy that the insurance doesn't cover. Most people simply cannot afford obstetrical care and hospitalization at the extra-high rates that uninsured people are charged. You want to make sure you're not in such a situation. You also need to master your job responsibilities thoroughly before you get pregnant just in case you have a difficult pregnancy...you want your new employer to be pleased enough with your performance to put up with the possible interruptions. I don't mean to alarm you, you'll probably be very healthy, but morning sickness is no respecter of women. You want to build goodwill beforehand in case you need it.
Answered by silver.graph

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It depends a little on the job and the employer. Since you obviously are female your employer should advise you what the policies are regarding maternity and maternity leave and such. I would say the possibility of pregnancy is more or less a given whenever an employer hires a woman of child-bearing age. Let them bring it up if they so wish.
Answered by Warren D

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If it's possible at all, try to check out your employer's maternity benefits without being too conspicuous. If it's not possible and you actually have to ask somebody, I don't think it's inappropriate to ask as soon as you start your job what their policy is on maternity leave- it will show that you care about your job. And if you word it in such a way as to imply that you'd be worried about taking too much time off, that'll look good on you. Eg. "I was just wondering, I'm planning on starting a family soon and I'd like to know what the company's policy is on maternity leave. I wouldn't want to risk my job by taking too much time off" ... only sound more professional, haha. Good luck with the baby-making!
Answered by Ashlee S

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Since you are not already pregnant, that would be a stupid thing to do.
Answered by Cheech

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It would be smart to find out what their policies are, so that you'll know what to expect (if for no other reason). What if their policy is to fire anyone who gets pregnant -wouldn't you like to know that?
Answered by yahoohoo

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Actually, yes, even if you don't plan on getting pregnant or anything. You don't know how long you'll have this job and what will happen during it. So mentioning anything of the sort is an awesome idea. :)
Answered by bluekitsune1

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Actually, thanks to laws enacted under the Clinton administration, you are allowed certain maternity rights federally. I would certainly make it known to your soon-to-be employers (especially as they *have* already hired you) exactly what your plans are regarding building a family, and have them provide you with a detailed accounting of their maternity leave policies. Keep in mind, even if you *were* to get pregnant a month into your new job, you still would have several months of time you could put in at this job before delivery and leave would be applicable (barring any medically-necessary leaves, of course - which I hope you wouldn't have to take). Be up-front with them, and you'll be happier in the long run.
Answered by pblcbox

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No. Just do one thing at a time. Right now you want a job and you are not currently pregnant. There are standards on a Federal level that protect a woman's maternity leave in place to protect you already.
Answered by cub6265

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why want 2 be pregnant ??? its hard to work whenyou r pregnant,,, may be it will the cos bad record when you are working,,,when yor pregnant your work are limted,,, can do such things as u do in you fast few day,,,, its up to u if u want,,,,,, when u like to be pregnan who will be the man that u like to be the father or take the responsibility???
Answered by comrade

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NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mentioned a bad back I *thought* I had, but come to find out, didn't, and didn't get the job. They have maternity leave for a reason. Don’t blow your chances of getting a job just because you *might* get pregnant! Wait until you are and share the good news with them then. BUT, if there is a way you can find out first, should they carry benefits for you, find out what they have to cover delivery, hospitalization and baby care during this time period. You might be able to find that information on-line, *if* the company's big enough, without having to risk your chances of getting it. Should you find yourself in the position of job-hunting because they dumped you 'cos of your getting pregnant, chalk it up to experience and move on. If they're gonna make you miserable then, they’ll make you miserable *all* the time! Oh, one more thing, you don't just get pregnant overnight, it takes a bit of time if you're trying, so don't sweat it and take the job!
Answered by coorissee

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Yes, they have a right to know if your going to be on leave or not so they'll hire someone to temporarily replace you.
Answered by waterlily3422

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My advice would be to not mention it, because you don't know how long it will take you to get pregnant, and even if you conceived on day one, most likely you wouldn't tell an employer until the end of your first trimester. So since most jobs have a 90 day probationary period, at the end of your 1st trimester when you tell them, you'll already be in the groove of the office, and hopefully had made yourself so valuable that they couldn't dream of losing you! I admire your intentions, they are honorable, but jobs are hard enough to come by these days and to throw a pregnancy that I'm sure will happen into the equation, when it's just a question mark at this point? It's not worth it, if they let you start you'll be thought of differently from the get go, and most likely as much as they can't discriminate against you, they will.
Answered by Sidoney

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nope, don't tell them a thing or they won't give you the job. notify them after your first week is over cause there's a grace period as to which you have to wait and see if you an official employee. and after the week is up you should tell you employer and they legally can't fire you.
Answered by Kristin F

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I don't thin you should discuss with them the fact that you are planning on getting pregnant, because that is just personal. But, when you do get pregnant i think you should be open about it, and not try to hide it, remember, when you do get pregnant, you still have at least 8 months that you can work fine.
Answered by colarstar77

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I personally wouldn't discuss them because then they will know you will be planning on it and that means within a years time you will need extended time off, which isn't the best considering that you are just starting. Look at it like this, on your frist day of a new job you are planning on a vacation?Let them see your capabilities and then they will value your worth at the company, right now they don't realize that you are worth keeping, they don't know your potential.
Answered by DispatchGirl

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You Should If You Get Pregnant!
Answered by ~Metalman Princess~

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no experience but iw ould talk to them abt it.... not many ppl are nice enuf to give u holidays for ANY reason whatsoever............. good luck!
Answered by questiongirl14

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why don't you wait a bit, save a bit of money, and see your situation within the company?learn about their maternity leave policy. see who your employers are, and do what is more convenient for you. wait a little for this baby. x
Answered by lella p

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No, if you feel you are good for the workplace, why give the impression that you don't by bringing that up? Once women are married, it's natural to expect them to get pregnant. Don't feel bad if it happens a month from the start date, feel good. You haven't decided what you will do once you get pregnant, so why have them take guesses about it? And maybe you won't get pregnant. You should make the call about how it will affect whether you take the job or not. You know better than they do. Also, you might look over materials they give you to see if any mention maternity leave. Btw, men fight for similar leave too, we want to be permitted to see our newborns often too.
Answered by Robert B


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