It is suggested women experience discrimination both during pregnancy and after they have given birth. Rosenthal, L. et al (2015) suggests pregnant women who experience discrimination could face consequential damages to their infant’s health and adverse maternal outcomes. It is further implied that women are more likely …show more content…
Although some may present the above factors and sometimes show signs of excitement, others can often contain negative feelings and attitudes towards pregnant women at work. Little, L. et al (2015) suggests individuals could raise issues regarding the professional image and work ethic of a pregnant woman. Negative stereotypic views and potentially offensive or upsetting remarks regarding pregnancy may be made by fellow work colleagues. Mäkelä, L. (2012) suggests such unpleasant remarks may come about due to pregnancy presenting a manifestation of a woman’s private life relating to her intimacy and sex life outside of work. This could further raise assumptions about pregnant women’s relationships or marital status and personal life leading to doubts arising concerning professionalism outside of work. Pregnant women can become aware of this and begin to feel discriminated against, lose self-confidence and develop low self-esteem. Additionally, pregnant women can be considered vulnerable and in need of protecting therefore limiting their skills and performance at work. This assumption could lead to a reduction in work hours and unfair