Pregnancy is usually a special time in a woman’s life. Starting or expanding a family is exciting and brings a joy to life that few other life events manage. It also brings with it some challenges. One of those challenges is feeling like you are being punished for being pregnant up to being wrongfully terminated. For many women, working during pregnancy is a must.
When you’re pregnant, you have rights at work that are meant to protect you from being discriminated against. Attorneys are available to assist employees facing discrimination but before you call a lawyer, you can set yourself up to stay protected. In this article, we will cover some tips to help you at work.
1. Know Your Rights
There are laws that say employers can’t treat women unfairly just because they’re pregnant. It’s important to know about these laws so you don’t accept anything that could jeopardize your job.
One of the most important laws to know is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). This law gives you protection so you can’t be fired, demoted, or treated differently just because you’re expecting.
Another key thing to know is that you have the right to reasonable accommodations. This means if you need some changes at work because of your pregnancy, your employer should try to help. This could be something like giving you a closer parking spot or letting you take more frequent breaks.
2. Protect Your Mental Health
Your physical health isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re pregnant at work. Your mental well-being is just as important. Pregnancy can bring a lot of challenges, and the pressures of work can add to these feelings.
First, managing stress is key. It’s natural for work to get hectic at times, but when you’re pregnant, too much stress can be harmful. If you find your workload is getting too heavy, don’t hesitate to talk to your supervisor. They might not realize how you’re feeling unless you speak up. A chat can often lead to adjustments in your tasks or deadlines, making things more manageable.
Work-life balance is crucial, especially now. Make sure you set aside time to relax and do things you enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or simply having some quiet time, giving yourself a break can make a big difference.
3. Plan Your Maternity Leave
For a smooth transition to detach from work, you should start planning your maternity leave well ahead of time. Start by understanding your company’s maternity leave policies. Each workplace might have different rules and benefits.
You should find out how long you can take off, if it’s paid or unpaid, and what kind of notice they need. Knowing these details will help you plan better.
Preparing for the handover is going to help both you and your substitute. Think about your responsibilities and how they can be managed during your absence. You might need to train a colleague to handle some of your duties.
