
Understanding Your Employment Rights During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a significant life event, and it’s essential for expectant mothers to know their rights in the workplace. When an employee becomes pregnant, they are protected under various laws that ensure fair treatment and prevent discrimination.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) plays a crucial role by making it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on pregnancy-related conditions. This means that if you are pregnant, your employer cannot treat you unfavorably compared to other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work. For instance, if a pregnant employee requires accommodations—such as modified tasks or more frequent breaks—they must be treated similarly to how an employer would accommodate any other medical condition.


Additionally, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees have the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, including childbirth and recovery from childbirth. This law ensures job protection during maternity leave so that new parents can focus on their health and newborn without fear of losing their employment.