You may generally work throughout pregnancy if you’re healthy, have no complications and your job presents no greater hazards than those you face in normal daily life.
Special consideration should be given to the following:
- Occupational risks including exposure to toxins or chemicals (gases, dusts, paint and other fumes), lead, radiation, and infectious diseases. Your employer should provide information about chemicals and other agents used at worksites. Information is available in a publication entitled Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Manual. It lists the hazardous substances of a product used at the workplace.
- Balance issues. As your pregnancy progresses, your balance may be affected by the changes in your weight and the shape of your body.
- Use caution with lifting, bending, and climbing.
- Prolonged sitting or standing should be interrupted with changes in activity and posture.
- You may tire more easily and need rest breaks.
- Inform your supervisor and the health personnel at your work place of your pregnancy as soon as possible. You may need to be reassigned temporarily to another type of work that does not pose any danger to your pregnancy.
- Your employer may require a letter or a form indicating work restrictions/disabilities. If a form is required, you need to get it from your employer and bring it to your provider.
If your pregnancy is complicated by medical, obstetrical, or other problems, you and your health care provider must decide how long it is advisable for you to continue working.
