Many mom’s don’t think about how their current job duties may affect their health during the course of their pregnancy, especially, towards the very end when you are often the most uncomfortable. Most mom’s will be able to work through the entire duration of their pregnancy with very minimal job restrictions or pregnancy related complications. However, if you have a physical job or the work you do is considered dangerous it is possible that you may need to talk to your doctor to determine what you can and can’t do while pregnant. Pregnancy isn’t considered a disability and doesn’t meet the standard requirements covered under the American Disabilities Act. However, pregnancy is covered under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in the United States and it states that employers shall treat pregnancy the same way they treat other temporary disable employees. Also, your doctor will also be aware of any state laws that may apply to discrimination while pregnant that might assist you with reasonable accommodations if necessary.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about your duties at work please discuss them with your doctor and you boss/human resources department. Any opinions in this post are my own and based upon my own experiences.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act Protect Women Who Are Pregnant
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was created to help reduce the number of discrimination cases against pregnant women. The act covers women who are pregnant, just gave birth, and other have other related medical problems that is deemed unlawful, please refer to the section: sex discrimination under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Women who are in their child bearing years are protected against discrimination if they are looking for a job while pregnant. An employer can’t refuse to hire a pregnant woman on the basis that she is pregnant. This act also allows the employee to make reasonable accommodations for a pregnant woman’s job duties just as they treat any other temporary disability, this includes moving her to another position temporarily. If a reasonable accommodation can’t be found, then the employer is allow her to take disability leave with or without pay. While on disability leaver your employer has to hold your position or a similar position open for a pregnant woman just as if they would do for another temporary disabled employee.
Talk to Your Doctor About Any Job Duties That You Feel Are Unsafe While Pregnant
If you are concerned about any of your duties at work, be sure and talk to your OB/GYN or midwife to determine which duties that are considered unsafe while you are pregnant. Allow your doctor to help you come up with a reasonable solution so that you can continue to work in a safe environment for the duration of your pregnancy. If your doctor recommends that you take special precautions or wants to modify your duties, it is important that you take your doctors advice seriously. Your doctor will provide a written note for you to give to your boss or human resources; however, before giving the note to your boss or human resources make a copy of the doctors note for your records.
18 comments
This is great information! Thanx for putting it together.
Thanks!
something to keep in mind! TY for the info.
Your welcome.
Great information as usual! 🙂
Thank you Taylor!
I had no idea about the vibrations and loud sounds. Maybe i read it and forgot? Thanks so much for sharing – excellent list you’ve compiled.
I didn’t either until I was doing a little bit of research for this post.
Great information!I bet we’d be surprised to find how many women actually know this stuff.
I had no clue until I did research for my chronic pain last year when I was researching about on the job accommodations.
Wow! This is so important and this is such a great list. Some women just think they can do it all but I was always afraid it might put some strain on the baby. This is a great thorough post.
I know that I always thought that I could do it all while pregnant. I was more careful during my third pregnancy and wasn’t able to do everything during my last month.
This is a cool list. Throughout my pregnancy, it never occurred to me that prolonged sitting was something to avoid 🙁
Yes, prolonged sitting especially if you are a leg crosser can lead to excessive swelling. Getting up and walking around for a few minutes during the day will help reduce those annoying leg cramps.
While preggers with twins I was working with this kid who had behavior issues and took it out on my belly. That was rough and scary!
Yikes, Leigh that would have been scary. I hope that you were able to get away from this kid without having to quit your job.
So working night shift as a CNA probably isn’t safe then either huh? Tonight is only my 2nd night. :\
Cherish, I would be honest with your employer so that they know your not being lazy if you ask other people to help you. Make sure that you take frequent stretch breaks and avoid heavy lifting. If you do need to lift a patient you need to ask other’s to help you out so that you don’t hurt yourself. If you a concerned speak with your doctor.