Learning that you are pregnant is a wonderful experience, and it is likely that you will be bursting with excitement, wanting to tell everyone you know. However, you may be concerned about breaking the news to your boss, and you may even be worried that the pregnancy and subsequent maternity leave may have an impact on your career.
If you are worried about this, it is very important that you take the time to equip yourself with the facts, since this will surely reassure you. The Family And Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is in place across the United States and offers a great deal of protections and rights for new mothers. It can be especially beneficial if you are among the 87 percent of private industry workers who do not have access to paid family leave.
How can the FMLA help me during pregnancy and as a new mother?
The FMLA makes it possible for all workers to take 12 weeks unpaid leave in relation to a serious family matter or health condition. These 12 weeks of unpaid leave come with full job protection, meaning that you cannot face retaliation in any way as a result of taking it.
Legally speaking, pregnancy is considered a serious medical condition; therefore, it qualifies as a reason to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave, without your career suffering.
If you are concerned about facing employer retaliation as a result of taking family leave for your pregnancy, you should make sure that you stand up for your rights at all times.
