Hi! I’m 32 years old, pregnant with my first child and terrified about what’s going to change at work. I’m 24 weeks along and haven’t yet told my manager or team because I’m so afraid of the unknown and making it “real”. I value my career and have been doing very well the past few years, so I’m anxious about what comes next. Any advice you’d give your past self at this stage? 🙏

This will be different for different people but I started to think of my career as a marathon and not a sprint. It took a long time to conceive my little guy and he needed me and it was important for me to minimize stress during my pregnancy pre baby and be gentle with myself returning to work post baby. I have a toddler now and I feel like I’m better at work as a mom because I’m more focused, efficient and patient and am aiming for a promotion. I have stricter boundaries now to enable me to spend time with my kiddo before and after daycare and I make up for work after he goes to sleep. It’s a season of life and you learn to integrate a new set of priorities and responsibilities into life and at work. A lot of people have kids and will understand.

Take as much time as you can afford to take. I made the mistake of not taking the time and I regret it.

Model how you want to continue to be valued. There is no reason to be insecure. You’re not doing anything wrong. Continue to show up. Ask for what you need. No apologies.

Back when I was in consulting I was so nervous to tell my boss and skip level, They were quite worried for a few moments until I shared my news. They were so happy for me and all was well. I worked up until my due date and then took my maternity leave and rejoined without missing a beat.

I told my Engagement manager at 18 weeks and am so glad I did. It has allowed me to have more flexibility at work (i.e., less travel, skipping team dinners, etc.) and I don't feel bad about having a lighter workload to minimize stress. I've also accomplished all my short term career goals which has allowed me to enjoy this season of my life and focus on having a safe and healthy pregnancy. All that to say, I would share as early as possible. You'd be surprised by how supportive people will be. Especially if they have a family of their own.

Do not be apologetic. Telling them is like ripping off a bandaid. You are not the first person to be pregnant at your company, nor the last. Outline a knowledge transfer plan so all of you feel better about your absence.

Aside from the act of telling them, know that you may not want to work at McKinsey anymore when you return, you may not want to work in consulting. If you do, great. If you don’t, equally as great. Your priorities and life will completely change, but you will still be the same. If your goals change slightly, that is okay. It is a season of life and there’s always time to push forward.
Having my kids pushed me (necessarily) out of consulting, but afforded me a life with excellent work life balance, good growth trajectory, and respect and satisfaction about what I do.
You will have two distinct lives, but you can still be a kickass professional woman, however that looks after you give birth.
Give yourself grace. You got this!

I’m in a different field but I went back to work after leave and kind of just went right back to doing what I was doing. I was even promoted after my leave. Don’t fall victim to the mindset that you’re damaging your career or inconveniencing anyone by having a child. You have the right to have a family, you are not doing anything wrong and have nothing to feel bad about. You can have a family and a career.