Managing the evolving needs as a mother over your pregnancy is something that takes care and patience. Your comfortable capabilities in the first trimester may not be the same as during the third trimester.
Being aware of any new limitations (heavy lifting, etc) and avoiding those for your health and the health of your baby is important. But when your work goes out of its way to curb your work opportunities in the light of your pregnancy, that can mean discrimination. That kind of pressure on your work routine may have an adverse effect on both of you.
The stress of discrimination
As Forbes notes, pregnancy discrimination cases account for over 50,000 cases filed to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Fair Employment Practices Agencies in the last 10 years. Statistics of the study Forbes highlights show that perceived pregnancy discrimination leads to increased levels of postpartum depression symptoms and lower birth weights. Increased doctor visits for the baby afterward increases as well.
The signs of discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination comes in all kinds of forms, as we note on our blog. Examples include termination and exclusive schedules that hamper breastfeeding. These company decisions that revolve specifically around your pregnancy can impact your life and your health. Some fear backlash after reporting discrimination, but the law protects you from this.
The solution to discrimination
Talking with your employer about your needs can help work out any miscommunication beforehand. But when you experience pregnancy discrimination, you can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Reporting workplace behavior that impacts you is step one to a process of resuming your life and easing undue stress.
