Pregnancy Information

Know your pregnancy rights

When sharing your good news with coworkers, discrimination might be the last thing on your mind. But the truth is that many women are treated unfairly — or even fired — after revealing the news of their pregnancy.

As long as a pregnant woman is able to perform the major functions of her job, not hiring or firing her because she is pregnant is against the law. It's against the law to dock her pay or demote her to a lesser position because of pregnancy. It's also against the law to hold back benefits for pregnancy because a woman is not married. All are forms of pregnancy discrimination, and all are illegal.

Women are protected under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. It says that businesses with at least 15 employees must treat women who are pregnant in the same manner as other job applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations.

The Family and Medical Leave Act also protects the jobs of workers who are employed by companies with 50 employees or more and who have worked for the company for at least 12 months. These companies must allow employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical reasons, including pregnancy and childbirth. Your job cannot be given away during this 12-week period.

Many state laws also protect pregnant women's rights.

These laws appear clear cut. But issues that arise on the job seldom are. Go to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website to learn more about your rights during pregnancy and what to do if you think your rights have been violated.

Information From: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Links, like the ones below, are available to us to help you see what your rights are as pregnant person, whether it’s in high school, the workplace, medical care, or for housing. You cannot be harassed or dismissed in most cases. Know your rights. We’ll get you legal help.

Miscarriage Symptoms:

An unplanned loss of a pregnancy that ends before 20 weeks of pregnancy is called a miscarriage.

After 20 weeks, it is called a stillbirth.

Call your doctor or midwife as soon as you can if you:

• Are bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina
• Have sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands, or fingers
• Get severe or long-lasting headaches
• Have discomfort, pain, or cramping in the lower abdomen
• Have a fever or chills
• Are vomiting or have persistent nausea
• Feel discomfort, pain, or burning with urination
• Have problems seeing or blurred vision
• Feel dizzy
• Suspect your baby is moving less than normal after 28 weeks of pregnancy, or if you count less than 10 movements within two hours. (Learn how to count your baby's movements on this Prenatal care and tests page).

If it is after doctor hours, go to walk-in care or the Emergency Room.

If you are unable to get to a place for help for any of the above symptoms, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby please call 911.

If you do suffer a loss, you might feel a lot of different things and wonder if they’re normal feelings or feel alone in having them. Please ask us, your doctor, or a counselor for help in getting through this. You are not alone. Some of the feelings you might be struggling with:

• You might feel stunned or shocked.
• You might be asking, "Why me?"
• You might feel guilty that you did or didn't do something to cause your pregnancy to end.
• You might feel cheated and angry.
• Or you might feel extremely sad as you come to terms with the baby that will never be.

These emotions are all normal reactions to loss. And with time, know that you will be able to accept and move on. But it will take time, and for some, it will take outside help.

You will never forget your baby and you shouldn’t. But you will be able to put this chapter behind you and look forward to life ahead.

But to help get you through this difficult time, please try some of these ideas:

• Turn to loved ones and friends for support. Share your feelings and ask for help when you need it.
• Talk to your partner about your loss. Keep in mind that men and women cope with loss in different ways.
• Take care of yourself. Eating healthy foods, keeping active, and getting enough sleep will help restore energy and well-being.
• Join a support group. A support group might help you to feel less alone.
• Do something in remembrance of your baby.
• Seek help from a grief counselor, especially if your grief doesn't ease with time.

Life Connections can put you in touch with counselors and materials that may help you through this difficult time. Please call and ask for help. You shouldn’t go through this alone either.