Pregnancy as recent lateral associate

I recently lateraled to a new firm that already feels like a great fit. I took a month off in between to recharge and travel, which was restorative and energizing. I'm excited to dig into new work with a great new team. The wrinkle: I learned the literal night before my first day that I'm unexpectedly pregnant. From a personal standpoint, I'm over the mooon. Due to some health issues, my husband and I thought pregnancy was out of the question for me, at least without serious medical intervention.

From a professional standpoint, I'm floored. I'm not sure how to communicate this to my new employer. I'm feeling daunted at the prospect of having to establish my working reputation at a new firm in the midst of my first trimester and having to take leave fewer than 9 months in. The employee handbook references the availability of a prorated leave, so I'm not too worried on that front.

If you have any suggestions or words of wisdom from your experience or observation, I'd love to hear them!

Posted Jul 4, 2025, 1:29 AM UTC

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