Any advice? New job, don’t qualify for FMLA

Question

Hi everyone!
I’m 5 weeks pregnant with our first child. I found out I was pregnant after submitting paperwork for a background investigation for a state government job. They’re giving me an offer.
I know the normal advice is to wait before telling the employer I’m pregnant. So I was gonna wait a couple more months so they could see how I am at work. However, it’s the kind of job with a one year probationary period. Does that make a difference at all? I’m hoping I can get some time off with job security even though I don’t qualify for FMLA.
Anyone been in this situation before? Thanks for any advice!

Answer

That’s really tough but as someone mentioned during the probation period they aren’t required to hold your job which is different than being fired. I personally would probably tell them around 10-12 weeks to be courteous. At 5 weeks you could still not even know you’re pregnant. But I wouldn’t wait too long after to tell them because if they do decide to keep you on and hold your job, you need to talk with them and HR about how much time they would allow you to take off since you don’t qualify for FMLA. Like someone else said if you wait a long time and don’t tell them until you’re 6 months, that’s very unfair to the employer to plan for someone to cover your position while on leave.

Answer

They do not have to hold your job while you're on leave. That's different than being terminated for being pregnant.

Answer

I would defintely not say anything until you have a signed contract and then maybe wait till 13 weeks. 
I switched positions within the organisation when I was 8 weeks pregnant. I told my boss upfront so he would know that I would be gone for 3 months (maternity leave in Belgium). A colleague of mine didnt say a thing and switched at 6 months while not looking pregnant. The company had no idea they hired someone who would work there for 2 months and then have maternity leave for 3. Needless to say, they did not appreciate.
As a rule of thumb people in Belgium tell their bosses of a pregnancy 13 weeks in (after the second ob/gyn appointment and at the end of the 1st trimester). This way they know well ahead and there is less chance of a loss of the pregnancy.

Answer

No matter what they can’t fired you for being pregnant. That’s discrimination and illegal.

Any advice? New job, don’t qualify for FMLA

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