Workplace Safety

Many pregnant women have jobs outside the home. Pregnant women often work right up until delivery and return to their jobs within weeks or months of the baby’s birth. Women often can keep doing their normal jobs while they are pregnant. However, some jobs may not be safe for a pregnant woman.

Some jobs may expose a woman to heavy duties. Jobs that involve a lot of heavy lifting, climbing, carrying or standing may not be safe during pregnancy. That’s because the dizziness, nausea and fatigue common in early pregnancy can increase the chance of injury. Later on, the change in body shape can throw you off your balance and can lead to falls. You may need to cut back on the hours you work, give up certain tasks, transfer to another position or stop working until after the baby is born.

Some substances found in the workplace pose risks during pregnancy. Although being exposed on the job to harmful substances is fairly rare, think about the things you come into contact with during the course of your workday or through a hobby.

If you think your job may bring you into contact with something harmful, find out for sure by asking your personnel office, employee clinic or union. Let your health care provider know right away if you think you and your baby are at risk. Workplace safety hazards and tips can be found at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Information about substances that may be linked to birth defects can be found at the Teratology Society web site.