How to Tell the Boss You're Pregnant (Part 3)

What if my employer isn't supportive of my pregnancy?

Steel yourself: Not every supervisor can muster an appropriate and gracious response to this kind of news. We know one mother whose news was greeted with rude dismay: "Oh no, we've never dealt with this problem before!" The sad truth is that your pregnancy can affect how you're treated at work. Your boss and co-workers may worry that you won't be coming back, your work will suffer, or your responsibilities will be dumped on them. If you receive negative feedback, respond professionally, positively, and firmly. Assure your employer that you'll do whatever it takes to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.

If you're demoted, laid off, or even fired after making your pregnancy known, look into your rights under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits job bias or discrimination against pregnant women. Consult your human resources or union representatives about your situation if that seems appropriate. If you've been let go unjustly, consider hiring a lawyer to help investigate your case.

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