Advantages and Disavantages of Being Pregnant and Going on FMLA Leave

I have been working for a dealership for almost 2 years now and I really enjoy it. I have flexible hours and great co-workers. When I found out I was pregnant I was overjoyed and at the same time a little worried. I didn't know how I could return to work so soon without being fired. I had to go to the doctor's office a lot, and towards the end which is now, every week.

My job is a full time job, and there needs to be someone doing it everyday. I was worried that because I wasn't in everyday and because of my complications my employer would get tired and want to let me go. Someone at work told me about the Family Medical Leave Act. I really didn't know anything about it so I looked into my jobs guideline book.

There are many rules to this Act that you must have to be able to qualify.

An "eligible" employee is an employee who has been employed by the employer for a least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours. The 12 months do not need to be consecutive. You are only an "eligible" employee if your employer employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles of the worksite.

The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows "eligible" employees to take off up to 12 work weeks in any 12 month period for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a family member, or if the employee themselves has serious health condition.

This I guess is an advantage, you get 12 weeks although it is unpaid, it guarantees you a position at your job, your employer cannot use the fact that you have been out of work as a reason to fire you.

The disadvantage is that you are not guaranteed your job back, as stated on the FMLA rules:

The employee is entitled to have their benefits maintained, but they must continue to pay their portion during the leave. The employee also has the right to return to the same or equivalent position, pay, and benefits at the conclusion of their leave.

This I don't agree with. I think that this Act should have more options for pregnant women. Having another child means more money you will need to provide everything for your child. If you are to return and they demote your position and pay how is that helping?

Today was my last day at work and I start my FMLA leave. I am not sure what is in store for me once I return. I actually have been stressed about it, knowing I might lose my position and my wonderful pay. I shouldn't feel this way but I guess its better to know I will have a job when I return. I'll have to wait and see, and I will definitely be writing an article about what happens when I do return.

If you are pregnant and thinking about getting FMLA make sure you research, every state is different so make sure you know every detail about this Act. Also read your jobs guideline book. Think about it before you actually go through with it. I am not regretting that I applied for it, but it makes you think if it is right for you. Hope this helps some women who work and are expecting a baby.