You’re 12 weeks along, you may be considering delivering the news of your pregnancy to your boss.

Here are some things to consider when preparing for this important conversation. 

Check your workplace's policies regarding pregnancy rights and maternity leave.  While you’re at it, read the Pregnancy Discrimination Act(PDA), which protects workers from being discriminated against by their employers for being pregnant, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, which entitles eligible employees to 12 protected workweeks of leave for the birth of a child. 

FYI: According to the PDA, an employer must hold open a job for a pregnancy related absence the same length of time that jobs are held open for employees on sick or temporary disability leave. 

The last thing you want is your boss to find out from coworkers or an excited Instagram post. So, make sure to set up a meeting and tell your boss before the rest of your office. During that meeting, assure your boss that you’re excited and confident in your ability to do your job

Jot down some talking points in advance to get your questions answered and to anticipate questions your employer might have such as when your due date is and when you might want to start and end maternity leave. Lastly, be proactive and offer to make a cheat sheet for the person covering for you in your absence. 

Most women wait until the end of their first trimester or beginning of the second because the risk of miscarriage is significantly lower. It’s also about the time your baby bump becomes noticeable. 

You can wait until that big project is done or after your performance review, but give your employer enough time to plan for your absence.