Should I hide my baby bump?

Ladies,

There's this position that I want so bad here at work, but it's for another business unit within the company I work for. It's a Project manager position and it would be quite the financial blessing we need with another child on the way. BUT...I'm 22 weeks pregnant and we all know if I went to the interview with the BUMP "all hanging out" they may hold it against me and not care what my qualifications are and not give me a chance. I thought hmmm. if there was two equally qualified candidates for a position and one was pregnant and the other wasn't... what decision would the hiring manager make?

Should I wear something that will hide my baby bump? Not saying I would lie about being pregnant if they asked in the interview (which under the law they're not suppose to), but we know people often discriminate.

What would you do?

"

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions constitutes unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII, which covers employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. Title VII also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government. Women who are pregnant or affected by pregnancy-related conditions must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations.

Title VII's pregnancy-related protections include:

• Hiring

  An employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition, or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients, or customers.

If you can hide it, do it. Sucks, but it may help you in the long run (especially if the company is male-dominated)
How are you doing, otherwise? It's getting close!

Hey Chelle!! I'm doing great and yes girfriend it's getting close, but I feel like Ive been preggers foreever. Just so tired lately and all I want to do is sleep. How are you by the way?

~~Gina

Hi there!

I understand the dilemma, but I definitely recommend going as you are. I'm not sure I would want to work at a place that cannot access my value in addition to me being a mother. If they would try to discriminate on that basis, would they be sympathetic when the baby has the flu or you have an emergency childcare issue? You might get an idea of whether its some place you want to work anyway.

Since you already work there, I wouldn't go in there try to "hide" something. Yes, they can't discriminate against you; however, they can find a way to terminate you for other reasons. Also, if you take longer than 12 weeks for FMLA then they can by law let you go. So, there would be ways around things if you weren't truthful.

That is just me since you already work there I just wouldn't jeapordize my work ethic.

Traci

I would say dont hide it cause that could end up worse but thats just me

i would go with no... if i was the boss and found out you were trying to hide it i would be pissed .. and feel that you were trying to hide something and may hide other things

Think about it this way. Dress in a professional manner. In a professional setting, you would not draw attention to your pregnant belly anyway. You would wear clothing that hung nicely on your body, not accentuating breast butt or belly preagnant or not. Good luck with the position I hope you get it. Much luv Sue.

I agree... go "as-is" and don't hide anything. If they decide not to hire you based on the fact that you are pregnant, you'd never know it anyway (unless they're stupid and want to be sued, lol!) They'd probably take it into consideration, but would say that they found a more qualified candidate or something.

Thanks so much Ladies for all the feedback, as it gave me some other things to think about.

I definitely wasn't going to hide the fact I was pregnant if asked, but didn't want them to have the opportunity to discriminate by letting it "all hang out" per say in the interview pocess. I want them to see me for me as a candidate and not as a Pregnant Candidate. If it were a job I couldn't perform the duties such as heavy lifting etc. it would be necessary for them to make a decision based on my pregnancy. I would be dishonest if they asked if I were pregnant and I said no. I don't think whether I'm with child or not has ever been a part of an interview question, but might be now. I will always be honest, but didn't want them to make the judgement on my pregnancy alone.

I'll let you all know how it turned out and Chavon to your point I'm going to be myself and just dress professional and hope they see me for me. Thanks again Ladies :)

~~Gina