I work for a DVM in Florida with approximately 12 or so employees. I am currently within my 90 day introductory period but I am absolutely sure that at the end of this period I will be given a great review as well as a raise as noted in the initial interview. I have been given the key to the building, code to the alarm, etc. All of my fellow employees as well as my bosses have continually praised me for my good work. A few days ago, a fellow employee just happened to ask our manager (boss's wife) what would happen if she became pregnant while working there. The response she was given basically boiled down to "well in the 30 something odd years we have had this practice that has never happened". Another employee that has been working there for several years claims that if they find out that you are pregnant they will "get rid" of you somehow. They are not interested in paying maternity leave or unemployment for that matter. This all sounds very strange to me. I think I am pregnant and I will be going to the Dr. next week to verify. My question is, is there anything I should do, look for, to prevent myself from getting fired due to pregnancy? I can still perform my job duties. I have worked to the day of birth with both my children so that is not an issue. How should I handle this potential problem? I am already on the defensive!!

Well, for one you can stop believing the employee who says they will automatically get rid of you when in fact, they have never done so nor has the manager indicated they intend to.

With so few employees you fall under the federal law that protects Pregnancy. However, just because the law doesn't say they can't fire you does not mean that they will. Talk to your manager about your options. Well, first find out if you are expecting or not. If you intend to work all the way through, I can't imagine it would be a problem.