With so many people working remotely, the urgency to tell an employer about pregnancy has become a bit more complicated. Even if you are working in an office or with the public, you may feel torn when you should reveal that you are pregnant. The decision to tell anyone is intensely personal, so it is a decision you will have to make. However, it is vital to know the signs of pregnancy discrimination. Therefore, if your employer reacts illegally, you know what your options are.
When to Reveal Your Pregnancy
Depending on your work environment, you may be forced to notify your employer sooner rather than later. Especially if your job involves heavy lifting, exposure to chemicals, or other duties that could put you at high-risk when pregnant.
Many women choose to wait until the second trimester to notify their employer. This allows them time to arrange for coverage during maternity leave, and the ability to make accommodations in their workspace, and schedule time off for doctor appointments. However, there is no set time that you are required to notify an employer about your pregnancy. Being pregnant is part of your confidential medical information and should not be shared by medical staff unless you have given permission.
I Told My Employer, Now I’m Being Discriminated Against
Once a woman notifies an employer about a pregnancy, they may start to experience discrimination. Pregnancy discrimination can look different from workplace to workplace. However, some common scenarios include:
Being passed over for a raise or promotion that was previously promised.
Your employer abruptly changes you to a lower position.
You are fired without any reason after a history of good performance.
Your employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations.
Your employer refuses to allow you time or space to pump breastmilk.
Co-workers or management makes a woman feel uncomfortable about her pregnancy by making comments about her body or sexual innuendos.
If you are pregnant and have experienced discrimination in your workplace, you have options. Call the Law Offices of Tanya Gomerman at 415-545-8608 to schedule a free case evaluation. We can help you navigate your next steps in order to move forward.