Expecting mothers face workplace discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace has been found to affect both the mother and child
Expecting mothers face workplace discrimination

According to the findings, discrimination against pregnant women has a negative impact not only on the health of the mother but also on the health of the child. This is true for both the mother's health and the child's health. In particular, it was found that discrimination based on pregnancy was connected to greater rates of postpartum depression in the women, earlier gestational ages, lower birth weights, and more visits to the paediatrician for the children.


In the context of employment, the term "pregnancy discrimination" refers to the practice of treating a woman unfavourably because she is either directly or indirectly connected to pregnancy or childbirth. It is against the law to show any form of bias or discrimination against pregnant workers in any part of the employment relationship, including recruitment and hiring, promotions, assignments, and termination. This includes showing that any form of bias or discrimination against pregnant workers is against the law. This law governs every facet of an employee's job duties and responsibilities.

It is against the law to discriminate against pregnant workers. Despite this, more than 50,000 complaints of pregnancy-related discrimination have been lodged over the course of the past decade. A recent study suggests that the effects of pregnancy discrimination may be more severe than many people believe, despite the fact that we are aware that it occurs.

Researchers asked pregnant workers about their experiences with discrimination based on their pregnancy, the amount of stress they felt they were under, and whether or not they exhibited any signs of postpartum depression. They also measured the health outcomes of the kids, such as the babies' Apgar scores, gestational ages, birth weights, and the number of times the babies saw the doctor.

According to the findings, discrimination against pregnant women has a negative impact not only on the health of the mother but also on the health of the child. This is true for both the mother's health and the child's health. In particular, it was found that discrimination based on pregnancy was connected to greater rates of postpartum depression in the women, earlier gestational ages, lower birth weights, and more visits to the paediatrician for the children.

According to the primary researcher who was involved in the study, this merely demonstrates the far-reaching ramifications of prejudice in the workplace and underscores the necessity of tackling it. It also highlights the importance of addressing it.

Discrimination on the basis of a woman's pregnancy can take a wide variety of forms. It is generally understood to refer to any adverse action taken by an employer against an employee due to the employee's pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition linked to pregnancy and childbirth.

In addition, there are laws that cover incapacitating conditions related to pregnancy, such as morning sickness and postpartum depression. These conditions are covered by these laws. Workers who are experiencing a temporary handicap as a result of pregnancy are required by law to be provided with reasonable accommodations at their places of employment. Taking a leave of absence, even if it's just an intermittent leave, is an option.

What measures can you take to alleviate any concerns you may have about your pregnancy at work?

If you are expecting a child, you might not be aware of how to safeguard your legal rights while you are still employed. Find out what the company's policy is about discrimination based on pregnancy. If you are pregnant and seeking an accommodation from your employer due to your pregnancy or a condition related to your pregnancy, you are required to disclose your pregnancy to your employer.

Make an effort to incorporate self-care into your workday. You may, for instance, think about getting up ten to fifteen minutes earlier in the morning so that you won't have to rush to get to work.

Establish limits and timeframes that are attainable. Make every effort to leave enough time between appointments for you to tend to your personal requirements. Maintain a healthy boundary between your personal life and the obligations of your job.

Have a conversation with yourself about how much work you are willing to put in for your employer, both during your pregnancy and after the baby is born. Be assertive about what you require, and be ready to put your foot down if your employer starts making demands that are out of line with what is reasonable.

Keep in mind that the majority of companies are aware that your health has a direct bearing on how well you perform on the job, and that this is something that should not be ignored.

Also Read: Women – Not for Sale

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