If you are pregnant or have plans to become pregnant, you may experience discrimination while you are at work. Although this is illegal, it can and still does happen in workplaces.
According to The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, employers cannot discriminate on the basis of pregnancy. It is important to recognize the signs of pregnancy discrimination, even if they seem small or insignificant.
Prying questions during the interview process
During the interview and hiring process, the hiring manager may want to know more about you personally and your plans. Be wary of any questions related to whether you want children in the near future or inappropriate questions related to any children you already have.
Resistance to needed and reasonable accommodations
You can request reasonable accommodations while you are pregnant to continue to complete your job duties. If your employer seems reluctant to make accommodations for you during your pregnancy, you may be the victim of pregnancy discrimination.
Sudden reduction of job responsibilities
Watch out for any instances where your employer suddenly reduces your job responsibilities. Although your employer may argue he or she is trying to make your job easier, he or she may be developing a plan that blames you for your inability to maintain prior performance levels.
Even minor signs of pregnancy discrimination can lead to bigger acts that harm your employment later on. Some of the signs of this form of discrimination are obvious, while others are more subtle and can result in unfair treatment as your pregnancy progresses.
