How to tell your team about a miscarriage

Talking about pregnancy loss in the workplace is something few people prepare for. Miscarriage is deeply personal and often devastating, yet for many women, it intersects with their professional lives in a way they can’t ignore. Whether you’ve had to take time off, adjust your workload, or simply feel unable to carry on as if nothing has happened, knowing how to approach this conversation with your team can feel overwhelming.

There is no right or wrong way to navigate this—it’s about what feels best for you. Some may choose to keep things private, while others may find that sharing their experience allows for more understanding and support. If you do decide to tell your team, here are some things to consider.

1. Decide How Much You Want to Share

You don’t owe anyone the details of your experience, but if you feel comfortable, offering a general explanation can help set expectations for how you’ll be working in the coming days or weeks. If you’re leading a team, being open about needing some time to recover—physically and emotionally—can also encourage a culture where others feel supported in difficult times.

"When I had my miscarriage, I felt torn between wanting to push through and pretending everything was normal, and acknowledging that I wasn’t okay. In the end, I told my team in a way that felt right for me—honest, but without pressure for them to respond in any particular way. What mattered most was creating space for myself to grieve while knowing my team understood.” – Grace Carter

2. Choose the Right Setting

If you’re telling a close-knit team, you may want to have a conversation in person or over a private video call. If that feels too difficult, sending an email or Slack message can also be effective. Keep it simple—acknowledge what’s happened, set expectations for your availability, and let them know if and how they can support you.

Example:"I wanted to share something personal with you all. I recently experienced a miscarriage, and while I’m doing my best to navigate work, I may need some time to adjust. I appreciate your understanding, and I’ll let you know if I need to shift anything over the next few days. Thank you for your support."

3. Set Boundaries

People may not know how to respond, and while most will want to be supportive, some might say the wrong thing. It’s okay to set clear boundaries. If you don’t want to talk about it further, say so. If you need flexibility with your workload, communicate that. If you’d rather a colleague relay the message on your behalf, ask them to do so.

4. Lead With Compassion—For Yourself and Others

If you’re leading a team, being vulnerable can feel like a risk. But showing up as your whole self—including in difficult moments—can help foster a workplace where people feel seen and supported. You don’t have to be ‘strong’ or ‘get back to normal’ right away. Give yourself the grace to process in whatever way you need.

At the same time, remember that many people have been through similar experiences, even if they haven’t shared them. By speaking openly (if you choose to), you may be giving others permission to do the same.

5. Ask for What You Need

Miscarriage is both physically and emotionally exhausting. If you need time off, ask for it. If you need to delegate tasks, do it. If you need a quiet afternoon with no meetings, set that boundary. You don’t have to carry on as if nothing has happened—your well-being matters, and your team will understand.

Creating a Workplace Where These Conversations Are Easier

One of the biggest reasons women struggle to talk about pregnancy loss at work is because it’s still a taboo subject. The more we normalise these conversations, the easier it becomes for those experiencing loss to receive the support they need.

If you’re an employer or team leader, think about how your workplace can better support those going through pregnancy loss. Do you have a miscarriage policy? Do you offer flexible leave for those grieving? Can you foster a culture where these conversations are met with compassion, not discomfort?

Miscarriage is something no one should have to go through alone. However you choose to navigate this conversation, remember that your grief is valid, your boundaries are important, and your team is there to support you.