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Most of the time women who find out that they are pregnant often have full time jobs or careers. But what most women don’t know is that they actually have pregnancy rights on the job. Most of the time employers are great about pregnant workers and there are rarely problems but they are companies who do not follow that same behavior. The first thing you should do is read the company handbook and see if it covers anything relating to pregnancy or maternity leave. Then read your employee’s health plan as well. If you don’t have either of these things then talk to someone in human resources or your supervisor. Keep in mind that you don’t have to tell them the second that you are pregnant but you want to give them the courtesy in letting them know sooner rather than later.
Depending on what type of job you have, whether it is a physical job or a stressful one, talk to your doctor and ask their opinion. Some doctors will evaluate your pregnancy such as if you are a high risk and then may suggest that you lessen your hours and your work load. Whatever the doctor suggests make sure that you have them provide you with a doctor’s note, most places of employment may require it. Also, it would be better to cover yourself as well. When talking to your employer make sure that you mention that you don’t want special treatment. You plan on coming to work everyday and nothing will change. Try to make your doctors appointments after work as well. Make your pregnancy relaxing for you; don’t make things too hard at work. If you need a day off, take one the baby is the most important thing to you. If you can examine your financial situation and if it is feasible, talk to your employer about part time as your pregnancy progresses. Every new mom to be should know that they have legal rights when it comes to pregnancy. If you work in an office with 15 or more employees, it is against the law for your boss to discriminate against you for being pregnant. They have no right to cut your hours without talking to you. You may be feeling great and are ready to work like you always do. But there are some insensitive employers who do not care and only worry about their own situations. Some employers suggest a leave of absence for you in this time, they cannot force you to but if you and your boss feel like it is in your best interest then do so. Do not let them drive you out. Stress is extremely bad for pregnant women so try to encounter as little as possible. Also, keep in mind that an employer has no right to ask you any question regarding your pregnancy. If you have a great relationship with your boss then it would be OK. But if you do not feel comfortable talking about it then it is OK. Depending on your work relationship with your employee, you both may want to sit down and let them know when you are taking your maternity leave. You are allowed to be out 6 to 8 weeks to recover from childbirth. Depending also on the employer they do not have to pay you unless they have a policy on disabilities. You can look into that as well. Your doctor may want to suggest that you work up until certain weeks of pregnancy, if that is the case have the doctor write you a note and present it to your employer. Keep a copy of all notes given by your doctor to your employer. Another important issue when working while you are pregnant is safety. If you feel there are certain aspects of the job that you feel are dangers to your baby then make the suggestion right away to your boss. The employer must provide a safe atmosphere for their workers whether they are pregnant or not. So don’t be afraid to make that suggestion. Also, every talk and every suggestion that you make with your employer regarding pregnancy, write down in a journal. You never know when you will need documentation. There are some women who fear for their job when they find out that they are pregnant. They are afraid of being replaced or downsized. Rest assured that the law is on your side. An employer is not legally allowed to fire you or let you go base on the fact that you are pregnant. They cannot reassign you after the baby is born, they cannot cut your hours due to pregnancy unless you have agreed on it. The law is on your side, you may think that you have a great relationship with your employer but when it comes to pregnancy sometimes you just never know. If you find yourself in that situation where you are told not to come back after maternity leave or they want to cut your hours, transfer you to another department there is help. Contact a lawyer and see what they can do to help you. In addition contact the Human Rights Department in your state. They are a great agency that helps workers with disputes against their employers. Pregnancy is supposed to be a great time in a woman’s life, don’t let the stress of work ruin it for you. Work should continue as it normally would and in case that you feel it isn’t then by all means, keep a journal and keep any and all documentation with you. Every time you make a suggestion make sure that you put in writing. The law is on your side, if you have to file a lawsuit after the baby is born. Then you will have everything you will need. Hopefully, you will not have to do that, talk to your employer and see what happens. Make sure that you assure them that nothing will change. If something does then you will discuss it with them first. Communication is key.
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