@CarolineMoss Also asked her to keep the inquiry confidential and two days later people were asking my assistant if I'm pregnant.
Your advice is spot on.
@CarolineMoss I went to our HR person to ask about my firm's mat leave policy:
"Just for planning purposes - I'm not pregnant right now."
"I would hope not!!"
".....anyway, do you have a copy of the policy?"
"it's not in writing and it's changing soon. But you should save your vacation days."