Resist temptation to act on presumptions about pregnant employees' abilities.

Some managers continue to hold outdated views on pregnancy and the capacity for a woman to work while awaiting the birth of her child. Being vocal about these views--and especially acting on them--is almost certain to provoke a lawsuit.

It's up to HR to set up checks and balances, reviewing every decision that might be based on assumptions about what pregnant employees can and cannot do.

Recent case: Intrepid Detective Agency hired Terri for a security guard position. She claimed that when...