Working during Pregnancy

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KEY POINTS

• How long you can safely keep working during pregnancy depends on your job and your risk for medical problems. If your job involves heavy physical labor, working in a very hot place, or being exposed to dangerous chemicals, fumes, or diseases, it may be unsafe for you and your baby.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about the work you do. Discuss what you are expected to do and can and cannot do on the job and how to handle possible problems.
• You may be able to take sick leave if your job is dangerous, you have health problems, or for certain other reasons. Check with your employer about your benefits.

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Most women can keep working during pregnancy. How long you can safely keep working depends on your job and your risk for medical problems. In general, you will be able to work until you go into labor if:

• You are healthy
• You have no problems with your pregnancy
• Your workplace is safe

Are some jobs unsafe?

Some jobs may be unsafe or cause problems at some point during pregnancy. You may have problems if your job involves:

• Standing for a long time
• Often stooping and bending below knee level
• Climbing ladders or stairs
• Lifting heavy objects or doing heavy physical labor
• Working in a very hot place
• Being exposed to dangerous chemicals, gas, dust, fumes, radiation, or infectious diseases

You also need to think about how long your commute to work is, how much stress you have on the job, and how to manage work, pregnancy, and other duties at home.

How can I take care of myself?

Talk to your healthcare provider about the work you do. Discuss what you are expected to do and can and cannot do on the job and how to handle possible problems. Here are some suggestions:

• Change positions often while you are on the job. If you are sitting, keep your feet up. Get up every 2 hours for a 15-minute break and stretching. If you are standing, take rest breaks and put your feet up or lie down during your breaks.
• If you stand or walk a lot on the job, it can help to wear support stockings.
• If you sit a lot on the job, get a chair with good back support and arm rests.
• Eat a healthy diet. It may help to eat snacks often. Choose high-energy foods like fruit, cheese and crackers, or yogurt with raisins.
• Drink enough liquids to keep your urine light yellow in color. Keep a water bottle with you. Limit caffeine.
• Avoid changing shifts or working multiple shifts.
• Learn ways to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax. For example, take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, or take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Can I take sick leave during my pregnancy?

If your pregnancy is normal and uncomplicated, it’s not seen as an illness. This means you probably cannot take sick leave. You may be able to take sick leave if your job is dangerous, you have health problems, or for certain other reasons.

Some companies offer maternity leave, and you may be able to start this leave before you give birth. Ask when and how long you can take maternity leave.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave after birth of a child or if you have complications during pregnancy. There are limits on what kind of employers must offer FMLA, and when it can be used.

Check with your employer about your benefits.

What legal protections do I have at my workplace?

• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) protects your right to work during pregnancy. The PDA protects you against being fired or refused a job or promotion because you are pregnant, gave birth, or have a medical problem related to being pregnant. However, it does not require your employer to make it easier for you to do your job. You can get more information on the https://www.eeoc.gov Web site.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. If needed, certain changes may be made at the workplace so you can keep working safely. You can get more information on the https://www.osha.gov Web site.