How to Get Out on Maternity Leave Early

Getting a maternity leave due to pregnancy related complications can be a tough.

How do you go about getting maternity leave?

Sickness due to pregnancy is quite common but then getting an extended leave due to complications may require you know your rights.

Three most important things that need consideration

The moment your pregnancy test report is positive you need to understand that there can be complications due to pregnancy and you should be prepared for it but at the same time you need to be familiar with the rules and regulations set by the state government as well your company.

1. Knowing your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
2. State laws for pregnancy related leaves.
3. The procedure required to apply these rules and regulations.

To know the current national laws you need to visit the U.S. Department of Labor so as to proceed with the procedure of applying for leave. A through knowledge of the company’s handbook with all the rules and regulations regarding maternity leave and rights.

How can the FMLA help your out?

Under the eligible employees scheme you get twelve weeks of unpaid leave every year which can be utilized for different purposes like childbirth, adoption of a baby, serious illness of a family member or sick leave for yourself. Though there is a leave of twelve weeks but then it may be insufficient in case of complications due to pregnancy so you need to know how to go about getting a leave extension.

Does the state have laws to help you out in such a situation?

California State understands the need of mother’s to be and has rules and regulations that help cover up for pregnancy disability leave where you get additional unpaid leave for four months. The call to request leave extension can be made by the caretaker incase you are unable to report for work. Furthermore, incase you are not well but then your doctor has a different opinion then you can still pursue your rights and get an extended leave by seeking a second opinion from yet another doctor.

Do employer's help

In order to come under the FMLA your employer needs to follow certain rules and regulations, some employers do take advantage of the state rights while others don’t. Certain companies have their own set of rules and regulations sanctioning maternity leave. Knowing the company’s rules and regulations before joining the company has its own advantage so as to deal with them when need arises.

Steps required in case you feel discriminated?

There have been thousands of pregnancy discrimination cases filed and if you feel that you are unable to work due to ill health and your employer has fired you because of this then you can always file a case against your employer depending upon the state law. EEOC is an organization that helps you find ways to get extended leave due to ill health and even the Women’s Bureau of the United States department of labor helps you out but then you need to hire a competent lawyer who will help file a case against your employer and help you get justice.