For starters, you don' have to quit.

Varda Pendse, Director, Cerebrus Consultants, says, "If you become pregnant during your tenure in a company, the Maternity Benefits Act entitles you to six weeks of paid maternity leave."

In fact, you can also take an extended leave, but without pay.

Richa Kumar, a professional with a private company, says, "When I was pregnant with my first child in '94, I was on the verge of a promotion. And I did not get it."

Richa assumed that her pregnancy too away her credibility as it meant newer responsibilities at home. This was a fairly common practise about a decade ago. But things are changing.

As Varda Pendse says, "More rights are being given to working women. Also women are now more aware of their rights."

Know Your Rights

You need to first know what the Maternity Benefits Act says.

However, most companies have different add-on policies along with the Act. So do a thorough check up on your company's maternity policy.

According to Varda Pendse, in case your seniors ask you to leave, they will probably ask you to give in your resignation.

In this case, you can refuse to do so and ask them to terminate your services instead. Remember, a company will never terminate your services on these grounds.

After the formal complaint, you can go to court.

According to the Maternity Benefits Act, you can file a case in the Industrial and Labour court. The court will then issue a notice to the employer.

Other Avenues

You can also try working from home.

Senior Research Analyst, Kamini Tiwari, says, "I went on maternity leave and asked my employer to allow me to work from home, after my leave is done with. This is because we are a nuclear family and no one will be there to take care of my baby."

Remember, you cannot lose your job because you are pregnant. Remember, all you have to do is know your rights and be firm and resolute.