Everyone knows that discrimination against pregnant women has a profound impact on the well-being of a Wisconsin mother. Now, a new study shows that this insidious form of workplace treatment also can affect the health of the unborn baby. Pregnancy discrimination can result in low Apgar scores and birth weight in addition to the mother getting postpartum depression.
Unfortunately, pregnant women need to learn to protect themselves in anticipation of the discrimination that they may face. They should learn about their company’s policy on discrimination and be on the lookout for signs that they are being treated differently. They should be prepared to go to management if their boss is not following the rules.
At the same time, women need to take care of themselves during their pregnancy, being vigilant about both their physical and mental health. That means they should take sick days as necessary and an occasional day off to rest. Managers must also foster a culture of workplace inclusivity and make sure that they are familiar with rules against discrimination. They must meet the needs of pregnant women and new mothers when it comes to accommodations. The costs of a discriminatory workplace go well beyond just the impact on the individual mother. It will depress workplace productivity and employee morale. In other words, discrimination will cost the business money in more ways than one.
Women who believe that they have faced discrimination in the workplace should take the time to learn about their legal rights. They may be entitled to substantial financial compensation if they file a discrimination lawsuit. They should consult an attorney to learn more about how the law protects them. The attorney may advise the client if they have a strong case for discrimination after learning of the facts of their case.