How Should I Respond if My Manager Is Making Negative Comments About My Pregnancy and Retaliating Against Me?

Pregnancy should be a time of support and accommodation in the workplace, not hostility. If your manager makes negative comments about your pregnancy and retaliates against you, do not ignore the behavior. In California, these actions are unlawful and knowing how to respond can help protect your health, your job, and your legal rights.

Consult with our Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination lawyers at Aegis Law Firm to discuss your legal options today. Call us at (949) 379-6250 for a free consultation.

Recognizing Pregnancy Discrimination and Retaliation

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibit discrimination and retaliation based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Negative comments from a manager may seem casual at first, but when paired with adverse actions, they can become clear evidence of discrimination or retaliation. Examples include:

• Remarks suggesting you should quit or take leave early because of your pregnancy
• Denying promotions or assignments after announcing your pregnancy
• Increasing workloads or scheduling conflicts as punishment
• Demotion, discipline, or termination following requests for pregnancy accommodations or leave

If your manager takes these actions, it may constitute unlawful retaliation.

Document Everything

The first step in protecting yourself is to document what is happening. Keep detailed records of:

• Dates, times, and content of negative comments
• Emails, texts, or written communications related to your pregnancy
• Any adverse job actions that followed after you disclosed your pregnancy or requested accommodations
• Names of witnesses who overheard comments or observed retaliation

Written documentation strengthens your position if you decide to make a complaint or pursue legal action.

Request Pregnancy Accommodations in Writing

California law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, such as modified schedules, lighter duties, or additional breaks. Submit your requests in writing and keep copies for your records. If your manager retaliates after you make a request, the written record helps prove retaliation.

Report the Behavior to Human Resources

If you feel safe, escalate the issue to Human Resources (HR) or another supervisor. Most employers have policies requiring investigation of discrimination and retaliation claims. Provide HR with copies of your documentation and explain the negative comments and retaliatory actions. Employers who fail to investigate or correct the situation may face liability under California law.

Know Your Right to Protected Leave

California employees may be entitled to pregnancy-related leave under several laws:

• Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): Up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy-related conditions
• California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for bonding with a new child
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Wage replacement benefits for time off to bond with a new child

If your manager threatens your job for exercising these rights, it may form the basis of a legal claim.

Consider Filing a Complaint with the CRD

If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, you may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). The CRD investigates discrimination and retaliation claims and can issue a right-to-sue notice if litigation becomes necessary. Federal complaints can also be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Hire a Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Hiring an pregnancy discrimination attorney in Los Angeles is often the most effective way to protect your rights. Employment laws surrounding pregnancy discrimination and retaliation are complex, and employers often defend themselves aggressively. Having legal representation ensures that you do not face the process alone and that your rights are enforced. Our Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorney at Aegis Law Firm can evaluate your case, gather evidence, communicate with your employer, and pursue compensation through settlement or litigation.