Expect future pregnant workers to routinely announce their condition earlier. A survey of 600 new mothers performed by Church & Dwight, a manufacturer of pregnancy tests, found that one-third told their employers during the first trimester. This is seen to be especially true with the under-25 set who have been dubbed the “Look at Me Generation” due to their willingness to expose intimate details of their lives on social-networking websites. The earlier than traditional announcement will provide employers with a longer opportunity to plan for maternity leave work accommodations. But it also presents the greater risk of biases within a law firm. The bottom line for law firms is clearer policies and in-house training on the treatment and work assignment to pregnant lawyers and staff members. 

A secondary issue that has been reported to us is the potential bereavement issues around the miscarriage of a pregnancy that is announced in the first trimester. Approximately 15% of pregnancies miscarry in the first 12 weeks compared to 1% after 12 weeks. Earlier announcement raises bereavement and counseling issues that traditionally have gone without the firm’s knowledge or involvement.