Finding out you’re pregnant can be a mixed bag of feelings - elation, nervousness, excitment, shock…the list goes on. But while you are adjusting to the news, life still goes on in the workplace, and the weeks really do fly by. So, here is a breakdown of what you need to be prepared for at work by trimester, so you can tick things off the way you would a normal pregnancy calendar!

First trimester - Congratulations on your pregnancy!

In the first trimester of pregnancy your body also undergoes major changes. These changes often cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, tiredness, breast tenderness and frequent urination. Every woman has a different experience, however, so while some may experience increased energy levels during this period, other mums-to-be may feel very tired and emotional.

The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby’s development. During this period, your baby’s body structure and organ systems develop.

Most mums-to-be prefer to wait for the 12th week grace period before telling anyone they are pregnant, as most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this trimester. But, the choice is yours - you may be too excited to keep the good news to yourself.

Second trimester - halfway there

The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the “honeymoon period” because many of the unpleasant effects of early pregnancy have ended. In the second trimester, you’re likely to experience less nausea, better sleep patterns and increased energy levels.

However, during this period you may experience a whole new set of symptoms and feelings, such as back pain, abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation and heartburn.

You will probably hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time at around 12 weeks. And, somewhere between weeks 16 and 20, you may feel your baby’s first fluttering movements.

Third trimester - final lap

You have now reached your final stretch of pregnancy and are probably very excited and anxious about the birth of your baby.

Some of the physical symptoms you may experience in this last phase of your pregnancy  include shortness of breath, haemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, varicose veins and sleeping problems. Many of these symptoms arise from the increase in the size of your uterus, which expands from approximately 2 ounces before pregnancy to 2.5 pounds at the time of birth of your baby.

Work wise, you will probably be preparing for your maternity leave, and may have decided whether you will be returning to work or not. Either way, it’s important to think about childcare during this time, as your circumstances may change during your maternity leave, and you don’t want to be left without any options.

If you will be returning to work, have you thought about whether you will be working full or part time? If you think you want to apply for flexible working, it might be worth sorting this out before you go on maternity leave, so that you come back to work with everything in place.

After birth: Congratulations on your new baby

By law, you need to have given your employer written notification of your pregnancy by the end of the 15th week before your baby is born, so if you haven’t told your employer by now, time is running out.

Once you have told your employer, you are covered against sex discrimination because of your pregnancy and your employer will need to conduct a health and safety assessment of your work area, to make sure that there are no hazards to you and your baby during your pregnancy.

This trimester, you will also have an ultrasound scan. You will also have regular appointments with your midwife or doctor to make sure that you and your baby are doing well. By law, you are entitled attend your antenatal appointments, but your employer has the right to refuse this if you cannot supply evidence of this.

At around 20 weeks you should get your MATB1 form, which is the evidence that you are pregnant. You should also have filled in a form to get a maternity certificate, which entitles you to things like free prescriptions and free dental care.