[lovesoup]

A question for all you ladies working through pregnancy:<br><br>
I'm a research analyst and I work from home on a day-to-day basis, which is (mostly) a great gig. Now and then, though, I have to head to Big City to meet with Very Important People, give presentations, get feedback on my work, do research, etc.<br><br>
I'm here in Big City at the moment, and tomorrow morning I have a presentation/am running a workshop for about twenty people. I'm 7 weeks and change along, and the morning sickness has been pretty bad for the last week and a half. Given the possibility of having to duck out of the room in case of severe queasiness, what would you do? Would you warn the group ahead of time, "hey, I'm pregnant, if I have to duck out momentarily please excuse me, it's not because I decided I don't like you all!" Or would you just hope for the best and explain it away (say you've had the flu, or something) later if necessary?<br><br>
I guess what I'm wondering is, if you were at a workshop (we're not talking a super formal board meeting or anything) and the speaker announced something like above, would you think "Whoa, overshare, TMI!" or would you think "oh, that sucks for her, hope she feels better," or something else entirely?<br><br>
Thoughts? Experiences?

 

[laohaire]

I would not say I had the flu. Just sayin', if someone said that to me in public I would be annoyed at them for sharing the germs. No point in making yourself look worse <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
I think I'd just wait and see what happens. If you do have to suddenly duck out, I'd tell the truth with a smile - "well, morning sickness is fun!" or some quip about all-day sickness, or your quip assuring them you like them just fine.

 

[texmati]

Could you talk to your boss? I don't think the fact that I was going on mat leave was shared with certain customers/accounts-- I would not bring it up during meetings. I was pretty private about the whole thing.

 

[crunchy_mommy]

If your queasiness is such that you'd have time to give a brief explanation before darting out, you could just keep your phone on you & look down at it & say, "excuse me, I'll be right back!" as if you're about to take a call. Or just leave & when you return just say, "Sorry, personal emergency," something to that effect.<br><br>
Now if announcing your pregnany won't cause problems with your boss, clients, etc. then that would definitely be a much simpler route to go! ETA: And no, I wouldn't think "TMI" -- I'd think, aww morning sickness is rough but YAY she's having a baby!!!!!!!!

 

[ein328]

I've always shared with my boss/coworkers early on, partly because I have terrible morning sickness (HG last time). At work, I am constantly eating to fight off the nausea (which, to some, can appear rude) and spend A LOT of time in the bathroom. Also, I look like a wreck, and that could also be misconstrued as "look who stayed out all night!"<br><br>
I think that if you feel comfortable enough with things that you should spill. I'd rather people know I was pregnant and doing my best to work through morning sickness than think I am just being slack/a complainer/etc. I've found people to be very sympathetic and understanding- they appreciate the honesty. That's just my two cents though- only you know what you're work environment is like. I think a sense of humor here is key, too.

 

[Climbergirl]

If you are running the workshop, then allow for a ton of breaks. I would also take a lot of sour candy to work on if you are not talking too much.<br><br>
I honestly told people around me that could help me out. I told one of my consultants and he would indicate I would be right back if someone was looking for me or just help them out until I returned.<br><br>
I would probably tell your boss. At least that way, maybe she could put another person with you (someone who wants to learn, etc) so that they could facilitate things and you run out? Or ask for your boss's thoughts?<br><br>
I am female, so I would be totally ok with you announcing. I have worked with men and they sometimes seem to get weirded out by those things (unless they already have families, then they are supportive).<br><br>
That is a hard one....