Legal Question in Employment Law in California

My girlfriend and I work for the same company in California. We have recently found out that we are going to have a baby. My girlfriend has told our HR rep and a few other co-workers/friends (3 people) but nobody else in the company knows yet and we'd like to keep it that way since we both work for the company and we'd like to keep rumors to a minimum.
Very recently a co-worker of ours saw my girlfriend's pre-natal vitamins. This particular co-worker has caused trouble for my girlfriend in the past to the point that my girlfriend has submitted several harassment charges to HR. HR is currently "talking" to the employee although no previous action or "talking" to has changed this co-workers behavior.
My question is this, if this problem-matic co-worker decides to run her mouth and begins telling people we're having a baby do I have any legal action I can take toward the company or the employee? What about rumors she may start? I know what this particular co-worker says will basically tell what I can and can't do (sue for slander?). We have expressed to the company HR rep that we don't want people to know yet, if they let this co-worker walk around telling everyone does that create a hostile work environment for my girlfriend and I? Will I have legal action at that point?
Thank You for your help and your time!
-J

Asked on 2/15/10, 10:44 am

Elizabeth Karnazes New York Offices of Elizabeth Karnazes

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There is little you can do if she is truthful. Try just telling everyone you are proud to be new parents before she does.

Answered on 2/23/10, 2:00 am

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