When to Announce?

The BOA promotes a supportive environment within a training programme to encourage trainees to have an open dialogue about their pregnancy, and to help with identifying and managing any risks within the workplace.

The decision of when to tell your work colleagues is entirely up to you – with one exception.

  • You need to tell the radiation safety officer as soon as practically possible to allow radiation monitoring to begin immediately.

The decision of exactly when to notify is one for you to decide when you feel most comfortable but you must notify the Lead Employer HR Department, TPD, clinical supervising consultant and Medical Staffing at your host organisation as soon as is reasonably practical and no later than the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (EWC) or the intended start date Maternity Leave [NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook | NHS Employers].

It is a difficult balance but earlier notification can help with identifying and managing any risks within your workplace. The following table may help your thinking, but we don’t claim it to be exhaustive.  

 
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
Early –
Before 12 week scan

Risk assessment:

  • Some risks most pertinent in first trimester.
Risk protection can be provided:
  • Radiation monitors.
  • Move away during exposures.
  • Hoods wearing for cement cases.
  • COVID 19.
Symptoms:
  • Fainting or vomiting may require short notice exits in theatre.
Miscarriage risk
  • Easier access to support/ time off if people are aware.

Privacy:

  • You may want to time to get used to the idea.
Miscarriage risk:
  • It is distressing to let people know you have lost a pregnancy.
 After 12 week scan

Lower miscarriage risk:

  • Average rates of miscarriage after 12 weeks fall below 2% (very dependent on a number of factors).
 Less support in first trimester:
  • If people don't know they can't help.
Early miscarriage:
  • If you wish time off or to have medical or surgical management you will need to tell someone for that you were pregnant but now aren’t.
When ‘showing’

Keep private life and work separate.

Fewer opportunities for support.

Less time to plan/make adjustments to on-call.
 
Time off for appointments

Prior to birth, you are entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal care when appointments can’t be arranged outside normal working hours [NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook | NHS Employers]. You need to provide evidence to your supervising consultant, manager, or Medical Staffing at your host organisation.

Importantly there is also a legal requirement for the father or partner of your baby to be able to attend two appointments, and requests should be allowed by employers where possible [NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook | NHS Employers].