I am 26 weeks pregnant and have been with my employer since Jan 26th, 2006. I have been asked for a letter from my Doctor with my expected due date. They are saying they need this for planning purposes as I am the Conference Manager and have our yearly major event approx a month before my due date. Is this something I should give up? I have never heard of having to get a letter from the doc for work except when asking for leave.

Why wouldn't you provide this? It is a simple request and your employer has good reason to need to be able to plan around your absence. It is only fair that you provide this information so that they may. Frankly, if it were me, I wouldn't have even waited until they asked knowing that I was due a month before the big event.

You would have gone out and got a doctor's note without request? Frankly that doesn't make sense.

I have planned this event as though I may not be there, so that someone else could come in and pick up where I left off. I am not doubting my abilities as a planner to have the event run smoothly with or without me. I'm questioning my employers real reasoning behind this letter request. I have to submit papers filled out by my doctor with all this information, it's quite obvious I'm pregnant. My doctor charges for these papers and letters, why should I have to pay twice for something that is not necessary.

The bottom line, however, is that this is a reasonable and legal request by your employer.

Knowing I was going to be out for any expected reason just before a major event I would (and have) made sure my employer was well aware of the timing and had documentation up front. It is just part of being professional and prepared.