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PREGNANCY AND WORK |
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- Many women continue to work during their pregnancies. However, pregnant women need to be aware of factors that may affect their babies.
- Women who work in healthy workplaces have fewer pregnancy complications.
- Most jobs do not pose a serious threat to your pregnancy or to the health of your baby, but certain jobs that do carry risks should be changed.
 Continuing to work while pregnant can provide you with: - Continued confidence as a productive worker
- Access to drug, dental and health plans
- Support from co-workers
- Increased self-esteem
Safety in the workplace during pregnancy
- Follow all safety rules if they must work with chemicals, solvents, fumes, or radiation.
- Shift work, working long hours, standing for long periods of time, and having to commute a long distance can sometimes lead to miscarriage or a small or preterm baby.
- Is my work too physically demanding? If you answer “yes” to any of these statements, your work may not be right for you while you are pregnant .
- I stoop or bend over more than 10 times each hour
- I climb a ladder more than 3 times during an 8 hour shift
- I stand for more than 4 hours at one time
- I climb stairs more than 3 times/shift
- I work more than 40 hours/week
- I work shift work
- I will need to lift more than 23kg (50lbs) after the 20th week of my pregnancy
- I will need to lift more than 11kg (24lbs) after 24 weeks
- I will need to stoop, bend, or climb ladders after my 30th week
- I will need to stand still for more than 30 minutes of ever hour after 32 weeks
The first step to ensure your workplace is as safe as possible is to talk to your health care provider. He/she can help you assess your situation and concerns.
For more information:
- Call the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808 to speak to a Public Health Nurse
- Call the Motherisk Home Line at 416-813-6780 or visit www.motherisk.org
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Thursday, June 03, 2010 1:35:15 PM
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