When you get offered a new position at work, should you take it or wait until after you give birth? This question has become a hot topic recently because of the recent trend of women taking maternity leave.

The number of working mothers has increased dramatically over the last decade. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate for mothers with children under the age of 18 was 71.2 percent in 2020. And although they can often face some challenges, these moms say they enjoy their jobs more than ever.

However, there are also downsides to having a baby during your career. If you decide to go back to work too soon, you might miss out on promotions, training opportunities, or even salary increases. On the other hand, staying home longer risks missing important milestones in your child’s life.

This article will cover whether it’s better to accept a new job while pregnant, plus the pros and cons of both options.

Can you accept a new position while pregnant?

It’s legal for companies to decline an offer from a pregnant woman, but only if she does not meet certain conditions.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, pregnancy discrimination includes “not hiring, discharging, promoting, or compensating employees; providing unequal terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; denying training or promotion opportunities; creating workplace rules that make it difficult for pregnant women to perform their duties.”

So, if you want to start a family and you’re considering accepting a new job offer, here’s what you need to know:

You must be able to physically perform all the duties required by the job — including lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods, and bending down frequently.

You should only take the job if you feel like you can perform those tasks.

But, if you think you can handle it, you should apply.

Can I start a job at six months pregnant?

This depends on the type of job you have. For instance, if you work as a cashier or customer service representative, you can start working immediately. But, if you work as an accountant or engineer, you may have to wait until after delivery.

Most positions require you to pass a physical exam, so you will be able to start working after giving birth. However, if you start working before your due date, you may be asked to submit a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot start immediately.

When should I tell my new job I’m pregnant?

There isn’t one specific time you should inform your boss about your pregnancy. Rather, it’s best to let them know whenever you feel comfortable doing so.

For example, if you’ve been working at your current company for several years and don’t mind telling them about your pregnancy, send them a message letting them know.

On the other hand, if your job requires you to travel frequently and you don’t want to mention your pregnancy until you get settled into your new location, it might be best to wait.

Also, consider how much information you want to share with your coworkers. Some people will understand completely, while others could misconstrue your situation.

Finally, ask yourself how much time you have left on maternity leave. If you’re close to the end of your leave period, it might be wise to keep your pregnancy quiet until you return to work.

Can you get fired for being pregnant at a new job?

No, you cannot get fired for pregnancy even if you don’t meet certain requirements. This means you can go to work while pregnant without worrying about losing your job. However, there are some situations where a pregnant employee can still lose her job.

Some states allow employers to fire pregnant workers based on medical reasons. In these cases, your employer has the right to terminate you if they believe your health will be negatively affected by continuing work.

However, if this happens, you’ll likely have to file a claim against your former employer and prove that they decided because of your pregnancy.

In addition, some companies have policies that prevent pregnant workers from performing certain duties. For example, some companies have a blanket policy prohibiting pregnant workers from lifting more than 20 pounds. In such instances, the burden falls on you to prove that you can safely lift that weight.

Applying and interviewing for jobs while pregnant

Being pregnant doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting hired. You might have to work harder to prove yourself.

According to a report from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, many women secure new jobs throughout their pregnancies. And thanks to the federal law known as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, employers with 15 or more workers can’t base hiring decisions on whether someone is pregnant or plans to become pregnant.

That means as long as you’re physically capable of doing the position’s major functions, a company can’t refuse to hire you simply due to pregnancy.

If you’re still worried about revealing your pregnancy status, though, there are some things you can say without breaking the law.

For example, you don’t have to disclose that you’re pregnant if you’ve already told potential employers that you’re expecting. However, if you have yet to reveal the news, you’ll want to keep quiet unless asked directly.

You don’t have to reveal your pregnancy status if you plan to give birth soon. Most companies will assume you’re having a baby, which is perfectly fine. They won’t be able to ask you questions about how far along you are or what type of delivery you plan to have.

Once you start working, you can always tell people if you’re pregnant. But don’t wait too late — if you take maternity leave before six months into your pregnancy, you could lose out on up to 12 weeks of pay.

Accepting a job offer while pregnant

If you get a phone call from a potential employer asking if you’d like to interview for a specific role, don’t hesitate to say yes. Before making any commitments, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with the terms of employment, including compensation.

But if you’ve been offered a job and you’re just starting to think about what you’ll wear on your first day, there’s no reason to keep telling your boss what you expect during the interview process.

According to BabyCenter, most employers allow workers to take unpaid maternity leave after giving birth, though some companies require employees to use accrued vacation days instead. Some companies even provide paid paternity leave.

In addition, many companies offer medical insurance coverage for parents and children, regardless of whether one parent works outside the home.

How to change jobs while pregnant

If you are thinking about changing jobs during pregnancy, there are plenty of things to consider. You’ll want to make sure it’s something you want to do. You’ll also want to consider how much money you will save, what benefits you’ll receive, and whether or not you’ll have to take maternity leave. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision possible.

1. Do Your Research. Before looking into job opportunities, you should ensure you know what you are getting yourself into. If you don’t have experience in the field, consider looking into working for someone else in the industry. This way, you can gain real-world experience while still making good money.

2. Find Out What Benefits Are Available. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll want to know exactly what benefits are offered to employees in your position. Some companies offer paid maternity leave, others provide medical insurance coverage, and others even pay for childcare. Make sure you understand what benefits are being offered before you decide to accept a job.

3. Think About How Much Money You Will Save. One thing you definitely won’t want to sacrifice is your salary. While you might not be able to live off of one paycheck, you certainly won’t want to give up extra money. When you switch jobs, you could end up saving.

4. Decide Whether It’s Worth Taking A Risk. Sometimes, taking a risk means leaving behind a lucrative career path. If this is an opportunity you couldn’t pass up, then go ahead and apply for that new job. But if you need more time, ask if anyone has had success doing so.

Conclusion

While deciding whether or not to take a new job when you’re pregnant isn’t always easy, it’s important to weigh all your options. Talk to your doctor, spouse, and friends who have taken similar paths.

Deciding whether or not to accept a new job when pregnant can be difficult. There are pros and cons to both sides of the situation. Ultimately, doing what’s best for you and your family is important.

If you need help making this decision or writing a resume that will get you hired, our team of expert resume writers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.