Woman feels ‘attacked’ as colleagues start rumour that she’s faking her pregnancy

A woman has shared her upset after her boss and colleagues sent her ‘horrible’ messages while she’s on maternity leave accusing her of faking her pregnancy and much worse

Balancing motherhood with a work is a challenge at the best of times. Then to have a boss harassing you over due dates is just one hassle one young expectant mother could do without. But she’s at a loss to know what to do about it. The post-Covid workplace has transformed the workplace, with many employers now working from home.

But not being able to see workers can make some bosses a bit twitchy and this woman’s boss has surely overstepped the mark when it comes to keeping tabs on workers, as the unnamed mum-to-be claimed her boss had been “horrible” via messages as she chased her for more details on the baby.

Taking to Mumsnet, the woman wrote: “I am on maternity leave and overdue and throughout the whole time leading up, my boss has been utterly horrible to me.

“As I wfh (work from home) a load of rumours that I made the pregnancy up, which is clearly untrue.”

But there was one alleged comment in particular that was causing her distress: “She also made some unpleasant comments about hoping for a miscarriage.”

As the main earner, the soon-to-be mum says she has to stay in the job for financial security, but she’s really struggling with her co-workers.

“I am now being asked every single day by my boss and 2 colleagues whether the baby has come or not,” she said.

“Obviously my boss has my mat b1 form so I don’t see why she is asking me every day what the due date is and if I’ve had her yet.

“Am I being unreasonable to feel a bit attacked and annoyed about being asked daily?”

Comments on Mumsnet were overwhelmingly on the pregnant woman’s side, with great concern at her boss’s behaviour and conduct.

“I’d be going straight to HR about comments like that, why have you not reported your boss,” quizzed one.

Another was bolder: “I’d text and say you will let them know when baby is here and then ignore every subsequent message.”

Sound advice from another read: “That all sounds horrendous, block their numbers and enjoy your maternity leave. They’ll know the baby has come when you choose to tell them.”

And finally, saying it as it is: “Seriously?! Have you got proof of what your weird psycho boss has said?! please report her!”

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