Your employer has an obligation to you and your colleagues that each person receives fair treatment. According to the EEOC, employers cannot discriminate against anyone, regardless of their sex, gender, sexuality and pregnancy status.
During your pregnancy, you deserve dignity and respect in the workplace.
What constitutes harassment?
You should be able to go to work without worrying about your colleagues’ behavior. For example, if you have a colleague or supervisor who keeps making comments about your pregnancy in an inappropriate or hostile way, you may have a harassment claim. Keep in mind that small amounts of light-hearted teasing may not constitute harassment. However, if you fear going to work or if work becomes a hostile environment, you can report the person for his or her actions.
The laws against discrimination and harassment apply not only to employers and supervisors. It counts for your coworkers, clients and anyone within the building. If you report harassment to your employer or supervisor and he or she does not act on it, you may have a claim.
What actions indicate discrimination?
As a pregnant worker, you have rights to temporary disability benefits that other workers would receive. If you need specific accommodations, your place of work has to provide you with reasonable accommodations. If your boss offers temporary leave for disability, you have the option to take leave too.
Your employer can never demote you, refuse a promotion or fire you based on your pregnancy. If your employer restricts the assignments available to you because of your pregnancy and not your physical abilities, this indicates discrimination.
Many of the conditions during pregnancy fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act.