Support of the pregnant soldier in the workplace: A comparison of her assessment with that of her supervisor

Comparison of pregnant soldiers' responses to statements concerning job performance, job satisfaction and support in the workplace with those of their supervisors reveal no significant difference in how the two groups view the work situation prior to pregnancy. Although the pregnant soldiers do not feel less supported during the pregnancy than before, they do not appreciate the significant increase in support during the pregnancy that is reported by the supervisors. Interviews of pregnant soldiers suggest that they and their supervisors define support differently, and this difference in perception may have negative implications for the optimal utilization of service women during pregnancy.