What Does Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace Look Like in Temple? 

Pregnancy is meant to be a time of anticipation and excitement, but for too many workers in Temple, Texas, it becomes overshadowed by unfair treatment at work. Pregnancy discrimination is illegal, but unfortunately, it still happens across many industries and occupations. We see this especially in physically demanding, hourly, or male-dominated fields. From sudden changes in work responsibilities to outright job loss, the signs of pregnancy discrimination can range from subtle to unmistakable. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT), we help employees in Temple and throughout Texas recognize, confront, and fight back against these unlawful practices. 

   

SYT is not a “one-size-fits-all” law firm. We’re a boutique Texas-based firm that focuses on complex and challenging cases. When it comes to employment law and pregnancy discrimination, we combine deep legal knowledge with a bold, strategic approach. Our clients choose us because we treat each case as unique, offering personal, responsive, and cost-effective representation that never cuts corners. 

   

If you’re dealing with pregnancy discrimination in Temple, you may not even be sure if what’s happening is illegal, or what to do next. That’s why we offer a free case review for employment matters. You can start that process by completing our online employment claims case review form today. 

 

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination? 

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer mistreats an employee or job applicant because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. 

   

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) makes it clear that discrimination based on pregnancy is a form of sex discrimination. This means pregnant workers are legally entitled to the same treatment and benefits as any other employee with a temporary medical condition. 

   

At the same time, the Texas Labor Code, enforced by the Texas Workforce Commission, adds another layer of protection for workers in Temple and across the state. And most recently, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. 

   

If you’re pregnant and working, or applying for a job, your legal rights include: 

   

• Equal Employment: You cannot be denied a job, promotion, or raise because of pregnancy. Your pregnancy should never factor into employment decisions. 
• Reasonable Accommodations: Employers must adjust duties when necessary, such as allowing more breaks, modifying lifting requirements, or offering flexible scheduling. 
• Maternity Leave Protections: If you’re covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or other employer-specific leave policies, you’re entitled to take time off without fear of losing your job. 
• Freedom from Retaliation: If you report discrimination, request accommodations, or take maternity leave, your employer cannot punish you for it. 
• A Safe Workplace: Employers are responsible for ensuring that the workplace is free from harassment or conditions that might harm your health or pregnancy. 

   

Unfortunately, even with these laws in place, discrimination can still occur, and often in ways that can be hard to detect at first. 

 

How Does Pregnancy Discrimination Show Up in Temple Workplaces? 

In Temple, as in much of Texas, pregnancy discrimination can be more common in specific work environments, particularly those where physical labor, rigid schedules, or outdated attitudes persist. 

   

Some industries where we often see pregnancy discrimination in Temple include: 

   

• Healthcare: Nurses or CNAs may face pressure to continue physically demanding tasks like lifting patients, even after informing supervisors of their limitations. 
• Education: Teachers may face denial of maternity leave or subtle pressure to leave the classroom before or after giving birth. 
• Retail: Pregnant workers may be given fewer shifts or reassigned to less visible roles, which can cut into their income and opportunities. 
• Manufacturing and Warehousing: Workers may be forced to continue operating heavy machinery or performing repetitive physical tasks that pose risks to their pregnancy. 

   

But discrimination isn’t always tied to specific industries. It can happen anywhere: in large corporations, small businesses, public institutions, or private offices. And more often than not, it doesn’t begin with an obvious or dramatic act. Instead, it starts with small changes that snowball into something much more serious, say the loss of your job. Many workers second-guess themselves during this period, wondering if they’re imagining things or if they’re being overly sensitive. That hesitation is entirely normal, and it’s exactly what many employers rely on when they begin mistreating pregnant employees. At SYT, we aim to keep you informed about your rights, enabling you to recognize when you are not being treated fairly. 

 

Common Signs of Pregnancy Discrimination in Temple 

Knowing what to watch for is key. It enables you to connect with our team early, allowing us to help put a stop to discrimination before it escalates. Some examples of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace include, but are not limited to: 

   

• Job Interviews: An employer asking inappropriate questions about your pregnancy status, family plans, or ability to “keep up” while pregnant. 
• Sudden Changes to Duties: Being removed from client-facing roles, losing responsibilities, or being “reassigned” without an apparent reason after disclosing your pregnancy. 
• Denied Accommodations: Your employer refuses to allow extra bathroom breaks, restrict heavy lifting, or provide seating, even when these changes are medically necessary. 
• Discipline or Write-Ups: You suddenly receive poor performance reviews or disciplinary action after announcing your pregnancy, despite a strong work history. 
• Harassment or Insensitive Comments: Co-workers or managers making jokes or remarks about your pregnancy, questioning your commitment to the job, or implying you are a burden to the team. 
• Termination or Demotion: Losing your job, getting passed over for promotions, or being pushed out shortly before or after childbirth. 

   

These red flags should never be ignored. If you’re noticing patterns of exclusion, retaliation, or reduced responsibilities after sharing your pregnancy news, it may not be a coincidence. At SYT, we understand the challenges of recognizing and proving pregnancy discrimination. That’s why we’re here to listen, to investigate, and to advocate for your rights with compassion and determination. 

   

If you notice one or more of these happening, it may be time to take action. You don’t need to wait until you’ve been fired or your situation becomes unbearable. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do to protect your job, income, and future. Start by filling out our free employment case review form and let our team help you determine the best next steps. 

 

What Should You Do if You Suspect Pregnancy Discrimination? 

If something doesn’t feel right at work after announcing your pregnancy, trust your instincts. Document everything. Keep a record of any conversations, emails, or schedule changes that seem suspicious. Also, make a note of when you disclosed your pregnancy and to whom. 

   

Next, try to have an open dialogue with your supervisor or HR department. Request any necessary accommodations in writing and keep copies of all communication. In many cases, this can resolve the issue, but not always. 

   

If you start experiencing retaliation, denial of accommodations, or if your concerns are dismissed, it’s time to get legal support. That’s where we come in. At SYT, we understand how stressful and overwhelming workplace discrimination can be, especially during pregnancy, when your health, finances, and future are already top of mind. That’s why we approach every case with compassion, urgency, and precision. Our attorneys take the time to thoroughly understand your situation and goals for your case. Our ultimate goal is to hold employers accountable, whether through negotiation, administrative claims, or litigation. 

 

If you’ve already been fired while pregnant, your case may also qualify as wrongful termination. Texas and federal laws prohibit firing someone for being pregnant or for requesting leave or accommodations. We’ll assess every angle of your case to determine the full scope of your rights and potential damages. 

   

Our legal services in pregnancy discrimination cases may include: 

• Investigating and documenting employer conduct. 
• Evaluating claims under the PDA, PWFA, FMLA, and Texas Labor Code. 
• Filing charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission. 
• Pursuing compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. 
• Negotiating settlements or taking your case to court when necessary. 

   

Standing Up for Working Parents Across Temple and Texas 

Discrimination during pregnancy places undue stress on expecting parents at a time when they should be supported and celebrated. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we believe every worker in Temple deserves a workplace that respects their rights, supports their health, and values their contribution, regardless of pregnancy status. 

   

If your employer has made your pregnancy feel like a problem instead of a protected condition, our team is here to listen, advise, and act on your behalf with the strength, experience, and compassion you deserve.   

 

Pregnancy should never be a reason for discrimination, and if it is, you have the right to fight back. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and building a strong legal claim. 

   

Let’s start by reviewing your situation. Our free case review helps you understand your rights and determine if legal action is right for you. Please fill out our online employment claims case review form today to get started.