I'm scared to get pregnant because of my job?

Question

I'm so confused right now. I've been married for 8 years and trying to get pregnant for a few months. But I'm so scared that when I do how will I tell my boss? I feel like he's going to be mad and regret hiring me or demote me, because I'll be worried about doctor appointments and maternity leave instead of my job. At the same time I really want to have a baby. I need this job because of the medical insurance I can't afford to pay for everything straight out of pocket. Please help!!!

Answer 1

I was really worried once I found out that I was pregnant, because I work in a place with a lot of older people (I'm 21 and the next youngest person that I work with is 40) I thought that they'd all look down at me for being pregnant and not understand about some of the issues that come with being pregnant.

I had started this job, and then 3 weeks later found out that I was pregnant (So I was pregnant when I started but didn't know yet) I wasn't sure if they could fire me and I was really scared!

I ended up waiting until I was 4 months to tell them, and I just said that I didn't find out until then. They seemed to take it alright, and are being more supportive than I thought they'd be. I try and only take days off for Dr. visits and when I'm so sick I can't work.

I only work part time here, so I don't get benefits, so I applied for MediCal, and it is covering all of my pregnancy costs (I pay nothing out of pocket for anything, including doctor visits, medications, ultrasound, delivery, hospital stay, and after care) It's helping me a lot!

Your job can't fire you for getting pregnant...if they do, you can sue them, because there are laws against it. They can fire you for anything else though still...that is my only concern right now. They can fire you for something as small as being late.

Also, when you do take maternity leave (or disability) they have to have a job for you when you return from that. It might not be the same position, but they have to have a job at the same pay and hours when you return (that's also a law).

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

As long as you are working in the USA, your boss cannot do anything to you if you get pregnant. You cannot be fired or demoted as long as you continue to do your job. You will probably have 6 weeks maternity leave, that is the norm. If you have any problems, go to the department of labor for your state. They can tell you about your rights. Also, your human resourses department can help you out with that.

Answer 3

He cannot demote you because you get pregnant. That's illegal.

But you can take steps to make your boss more comfortable once you get pregnant. After the first 3 months, when you are ready to tell others about your joyous news, tell your boss in private. Then explain to him how you will keep your work current, help train a coworker to cover for you during maternity leave, plan to return to work after maternity leave is over, etc...

Answer 4

It is your God given right to have that baby and your boss (of all people) shouldn't have to be a concern for you. In the beginning your doctor appts are only once a month, then the farther along you get the more frequently you will have to go. Express your feelings to the doctor at the visits, if you are feeling anguish, or stress, or whatever, tell the doctor because this will have an effect on your pregnancy and if it gets too bad, he will pull you out early in order for your pregnancy to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible- for the health of your baby. (and there is always a way to have your pregnancy paid for, should something undesireable happen).

Good luck with the baby.

Answer 5

He cant fire or demote u for being pregnant, its against the law...If u r upfront and honest with him, I am sure he will be cooperative..U can wait to tell him till after the 1st trimester...When a woman is pregnant her mind will always be on the baby, thats normal..If u just try to focus before your maternity leave u will be fine..As for dr. appointments take a peronal day or sick day on those days..or make your appointments for early morning or late afternoon, so u can come in late or leave a little early, and not have to miss much work..It will all work out, and good luk..

Answer 6

Women get pregnant and have babies all the time...employers generally cannot penalize you for doing that, but you do need to keep time off work to a minimum because you have an obligation to your boss...

You shouldn't require much time off work...doc appts can often be taken as your lunch break...and maternity leave is something the law requires you be allowed to take...

Has no one else at your place of employment ever been pregnant while working there?

Answer 7

Wow, you do what you need to do, but the last thing I would worry about is your boss getting mad. They have laws in place to protect your maternity needs. And if your boss gets so upset with you becoming pregnant, then I personally would not want to work for them.
Having a child is such a wonderful experience and don't deprive yourself and your husband of that because of what you think your boss will do.

Answer 8

If your boss fires you for getting pregnant, you can sue. He discriminated you because you decided to get pregnant.

Also that is why you have your benefits, for the medical coverage that you will need. Plus you have the right to take time off prior to, and after the birth of your child. He's not supposed to deny you maternity leave.

Answer 9

Try to find out what the maternity leave policies are at your job. You're not the first or the last one to get pregnant while working, there are ways employers can deal with it. It would be illegal for them to demote or fire you because of that. I'm sure things are not as bad as you're imagining them to be.

Answer 10

Seems to me he could get in trouble for firing you for getting pregnant. You've been married for 8 years for crying out loud. You deserve to have a baby. Think about it - you're determining whether to have a child with your husband BECAUSE OF YOUR BOSS. You need to get your priorities in line. It's none of your boss' business. Does he have kids? If not, does he have a MOM? That is insane worrying about what he says. I'd rather get another job. Don't worry - if you lose it, there's help out there for pregnancy and children.