-
Step 1
Let your work be the main topic of conversation. It’s natural for co-workers, and maybe even your boss, to want to talk about your pregnancy with you. That’s fine, but keep your answers short and refrain from including details about your body. Then pointedly turn their attention to the current project you’re working on.
-
Step 2
Schedule medical appointments around your work schedule. If at all possible, try to avoid taking time off of work to see your doctor. Those appointments really add up, and you don’t want your boss wondering how much time off you need every time you enter his office.
-
Step 3
Resist the urge to share your news with clients. If your workplace includes a lot of phone contact with clients rather than in-person contact, they might not even know you’re pregnant. That’s okay. Sharing personal news like this over the phone detracts from the business you’re trying to get done. If you do need to tell clients—they’ll need another contact at your company while you’re on maternity leave, for example—send out a business-like letter or email right before your leave starts.
-
Step 4
Fake it. Pregnancy is hard on a woman’s body. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, there are aches and pains to deal with, and it seems like you’re always exhausted. But guess what? Other people are dealing with pain and fatigue at the office too. If someone says, “You look tired. Why don’t we reschedule the meeting?” Refuse politely and assure them that you’re fine.
-
Step 5
Focus on now. Some women who are due to embark on maternity leave soon either talk about their upcoming “break” non-stop or mentally check out of the office weeks before they’re supposed to. Either way, this cuts into productivity and erodes your professional image. Focus on maintaining your productivity until the day your leave starts.
