Aside from the work itself, one of the hardest parts of stepping into the office is deciding what to wear. However, choosing appropriate workwear is even harder for pregnant women who struggle to fit into everyday clothes with their blossoming baby bump.
One woman was recently left devastated when a 'bully' colleague slammed her 'ridiculous' outfit, particularly after she assumed her attire was completely professional.
Expressing her concern on popular forum Mumsnet, she captioned the post: "Workplace bully, upsetting comments about pregnancy."
The mum-to-be explained: "I work in an office with three wonderful people and one person who has been removed from our department but still working within our office."
She continued: "Been here around three years, LOVE my job, love my colleagues but we have an awful workplace bully who I'm 99% sure only has his job still because he earns the company a lot of money.
"We have collectively complained about this individual (hence him now being in a different department) but still seeing him daily.
"Complaining about him is difficult because he will 1) know who the complainer is 2) Make our lives truly miserable.
"It's not worth it and he has escaped any repercussions from HR numerous times. I'm trying not to worry or stress because I'm 20 weeks pregnant and haven't got too long until maternity leave."
She went on: "However, today he has insulted me beyond belief and I don't know what to do about it.
"His words were 'Why are you dressed like that? You're pregnant? Get a bra that fits, your t**s are everywhere and your skirt looks ridiculous. Maybe you should just remain office based for the time being'.
"I was wearing black tights, a black pencil skirt, a white shirt (no cleavage!) and a black cardigan over.
"Admittedly, they aren't 'maternity' but I'm too small for maternity and too big for my normal size so have opted for stretchy bottoms. I actually think I looked as professional as I always do (just not so slim).
"Maybe it's just the hormones but I'm disgusted and feel so embarrassed - already worrying about what to wear tomorrow!
"This was said in front of my colleagues who thought I should report it, but I really don't know if it's worth it. Have my life made miserable and be caught in a whirlwind half way through my pregnancy?"
Seeking advice, she questioned: "What would you do? I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place (and maybe just need to vent because I'm utterly shocked!)"
Flocking to the comment section, one Mumsnet user wrote: "It doesn't matter where you work or who owns the company, that it's disgraceful behaviour."
A second wrote: "Definitely report. If I was one of your colleagues and had heard that I would be reporting him too."
A third agreed: "Report him. Yes he will know it's you but he cannot speak to a colleague (or anyone) like that. Not even a case that could be misinterpreted."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below
