Working Pregnant Women Still Face Discrimination

Remember that awkward conversation when you broke the big news to your boss? Was her reaction that mix of  “Hooray!” and “Oh, no!” you expected? Turns out the trepidation you might have felt in telling your employer of your pregnancy was for good reason, reports TIME.com.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the number of pregnancy-related discrimination cases have jumped by 35% since 2002. Over $150 million in damages have been collected, but there’s a lot more to be concerned about than just those numbers.

Plus: Companies Busted for Not Giving Working Moms a Place to Pump

With more women than ever in the workplace and many as the primary breadwinners, it’s seriously problematic if your employer isn’t as over the moon about your new bundle of joy as you are. New dads are under fire at work as well for asking for leave during the first few weeks after the baby arrives.

Plus: The Working Mother List of 100 Best Companies

“Showing increased commitment at your job (arriving on time, never missing a meeting, staying a little late if you’ve left during the day for a doctor’s appointment) can help bulletproof your position, but it’s not a guarantee,” Allison O’Kelley, president and CEO of MomCorps, a job placement service for new and expecting moms, tells Babytalk.

How did you break the news to your boss? Have you ever felt discriminated against or left out at work because you were expecting?