Pregnancy and work?

I'm almost 6 months along and my boss just called me today about my performance at work. Saying I've slowed down a lot,haven't been as friendly with customers, and not giving 100%. I feel like I've been working my booty off trying to prove to them that I can handle 40+ hours a week.

It just really upset me because I hate when I'm not doing a "perfect" job or getting compliments about my work. I take pride in anything I do...

I feel like they've been treating me very different ever since they found out I was pregnant. Acting like I can't do anything anymore.

Two questions...

One. Should I accept that being pregnant has "slowed" me down, or tell them how I feel?

Two. When did you take off work for maternity leave?

1. Yes - pregnancy can make you feel tired, sick, sore and distracted. It isn't your fault. You are growing a PERSON inside of you. That is bound to affect how you work! I would talk to them about it and just admit that working while pregnant is more difficult but that you are doing your best. They can't fire you for being pregnant and any good boss would understand the physical and emotional stress pregnancy causes.

2. I worked until I went into labor on my due date. It depends on a lot of things - how much physical activity your job requires, whether you get paid leave or not (if you can afford additional unpaid leave) and how you are feeling.

If you really feel that you are still doing a great job, you should stand up for yourself, in a nice way, of course. Tell your boss that you are sorry but you haven't seen any change in your job performance. Then ask for specific details. Saying "You haven't been as nice" is stupid - insist that your boss give you an example so that you can address his or her concern and figure out how to fix anything that might be a problem. Tell him or her that you really can't figure out how to improve unless you have an idea of exactly what is wrong.

Approach the situation as if it is an issue that you and your boss need to work on together to find a solution - really get into the role of having your boss help you improve yourself and your performance at work - even if they are full of ****.

It sounds like you are being discriminated against because you are pregnant. I'm not sure where you are from but in Canada it is illegal to be fired for being pregnant. I would talk to HR and express your concern. I would also try to scrounge up some proof that you are NOT underperforming.

i was a waitress the entire pregnancy with both my children......I worked up until the day before I had each of them. It was very hard but I was alone and did what I had to do.....And I know for sure towards the end of my pregnancy I was rude to customers....and I would feel bad.

You need to accept that being pregnant has "slowed" you down, and don't be afraid to say you feel like you are being treated differently. You probably are! They might be the ones slowing you down! They might not even realize they are treating you differently and they might change if they are aware of how they are making you feel. I don't know how long I will work this time! I'm 25+ weeks and I'm more bored at work than anything else. With my 2nd I worked until 3 weeks before I delivered and that was a hard job. With my first I didn't work at all (boring!)

You have to decide when its time to stop working. You will know when its time I promise!

Although it is possible that your pregnancy has been affecting your performance, I would be on your guard. Your boss could be trying to set the mood for firing you to avoid having to deal with a maternity leave. I know it sounds horrible, but it happens. Legally you can't be fired for being pregnant, but you can get fired because it "slows down your performance" or something similar. I've had it happen to me. My HR manager was my best friend at work until she found out I was pregnant. At that point I not only became more of a liability to her, but she knew she would have to find a way to cover me when the baby was born. Long story short she nitpicked her way into firing me.

If you do stay working at your job I would start your leave about 2wks before your due date. This gives you some time to rest and get prepared for the baby, but doesn't cut into your postpartum recovery too much.

Good luck and congrats!