Many people work through pregnancy up to their due date. Working during pregnancy can be safe for many people, but there may be exceptions depending on the type of work you do and your overall health.

Pregnancy is often a time of excitement, but the preparations and planning can also lead to uncertainty or worry. You may have concerns about whether certain job duties could put you or your baby at risk.

It can help to know how to stay safe while working, what your rights are as a pregnant worker, and what kind of accommodations you might want to ask for.

Working during pregnancy is generally safe for most people with uncomplicated pregnancies, but there are some exceptions. Safety may depend on factors like:

  • what you do for work
  • your health profile
  • any risk of pregnancy complications

Talk with your OB-GYN if you’re worried that aspects of your job could endanger you and your baby. Here are a few examples:

  • chemicals, radiation, or other dangerous materials
  • long periods of standing or climbing
  • carrying or lifting heavy loads
  • loud noises or vibrations from heavy machinery
  • extreme heat or cold

The number of hours you work in a day, the time of day you work, and longer commute times could also increase the risk of health issues.

For example, a 2023 research review and analysis suggests that working long hours may increase the risk of preterm birth. A 2019 study also found a higher risk of pregnancy loss among people working at least two night shifts per week compared to those working during the day.

A commute time longer than 20 minutes one way may also increase the risk of pregnancy loss.

Ask your doctor about possible work risks based on your overall health, job type, and work schedule.

You may find it more challenging to do your job as you experience certain pregnancy symptoms.

Coping with pregnancy symptoms while on the job may not always seem easy, but it is possible. Remember, if you experience any pain, cramping, spotting, or other worrisome symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Morning sickness

Many people experience nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy. If you’re feeling unwell or queasy, it can be helpful to identify any triggers so you can avoid them.

Try eating bland foods like saltine crackers or applesauce, and opt for small meals and snacks throughout the day rather than large meals.

If you’re experiencing severe morning sickness, you may want to share your pregnancy news with your employer sooner if you need accommodations. This isn’t required, but it may be helpful.

If you’re missing work or visiting the bathroom frequently, your employer would be able to better understand your situation.

Fatigue

You may feel fatigue at different times throughout your pregnancy. Try to get plenty of rest during nonworking hours — around 7 to 9 hours each day.

And you may want to consider lightening your load after work if you’re tired or sick. Try getting help with responsibilities like grocery shopping, yard work, and house cleaning — or at least don’t expect to do it all yourself when you’re not feeling your best.

Hydration

It’s essential to stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends 8 to 12 cups of water daily. Try keeping a large water bottle at your desk so you always have water on hand.

Frequent urination

Not only are you drinking more water, but your growing uterus is also putting pressure on your bladder. You will likely need to visit the restroom more than usual. Talk with your manager or supervisor if needed, and take short and frequent breaks to the restroom rather than holding your urine.

Back or pelvic pain

As hormones loosen ligaments and joints, you may experience more aches and pains. Your back or pelvis, in particular, may start to hurt as your baby grows.

Here are a few ways to ease back and pelvic discomfort:

  • Wear supportive shoes, like sneakers, especially if your job involves standing or moving around.
  • Pay attention to your posture when lifting heavy objects, and lift with your legs rather than your back.
  • Take breaks as needed. If sitting for long periods, remember to maintain good posture. You could support your lower back with a small pillow.
  • As your body changes, consider wearing a pregnancy support belt to ease the strain on your back and pelvis.
  • Heating pads or ice packs can help ease sore muscles, but avoid placing them directly on your stomach. If the pain persists, ask your healthcare team for more guidance.

Your employer may provide you with accommodations that help improve the safety of your job while you’re pregnant.

If you’re unable to perform your job duties during your pregnancy and when you give birth, your employer cannot discriminate against you.

Depending on the nature of your job, you may be assigned a lighter workload or different assignments. You should be provided reasonable accommodations like other people with disabilities.

Pregnancy is not a permanent disability, but certain pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, may be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Remember that policies around accommodations and paid versus unpaid parental leave vary from state to state, not just workplace to workplace.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does not guarantee pay during parental leave, but it does provide job protection while you are on leave to care for your newborn.

Contact your human resources (HR) department if you have questions or concerns about your rights as a pregnant worker or your company’s parental leave policy.

It is entirely up to you when you tell your employer about your pregnancy. You may want to inform them as soon as possible to help prepare and plan your leave, or you may want to keep the news private.

Here are a few factors to consider:

  • You may want to share your news sooner if your job involves heavy lifting, chemical exposure, or other hazards.
  • If you’re feeling sick or experiencing pregnancy complications that warrant additional doctor visits or rest, it may be time to tell your employer you’re pregnant.
  • If you have a promotion or performance review coming up and worry the news could impact your rating, you may feel more comfortable waiting. However, your pregnancy should be kept separate from your job performance. If you share your news and are concerned your employer is discriminating against you based on your condition (for example or taking specific responsibilities away, being passed up for a promotion you were promised), you should talk with your HR department as soon as possible.
  • If you’re concerned about how your boss might react to the news, you may wish to wait before sharing it; however, your condition should not impact your standing as an employee.

If you work in the office, remember that you will eventually start to show. This means you may want to share your news before you start to show, even though it is not required.

If you’ve told other co-workers but not your boss, keep in mind that the word may start to spread. Your manager or supervisor would probably appreciate hearing the news directly from you rather than through the grapevine.

When it’s time to share your news with your employer, here are a few steps you may want to take:

  • Learn your company’s policies about pregnancy before you share your news. You will likely find this information in an employee handbook or an internal website. Your HR department can assist you with this process if necessary.
  • Arrange a meeting with your manager or supervisor to discuss your pregnancy, allowing you both time to ask questions and plan for your leave.
  • You might brainstorm ideas for reallocating any job duties to your colleagues that you cannot perform while pregnant, and possible coverage during your parental leave. Your employer may not take all your suggestions, but your initiative may be appreciated.
  • Consider how much time you would like to take off to care for your newborn and whether you may want to start your leave before they arrive. If you’re unsure, you can be transparent about that as well. Many new parents find it helpful to look into child care options before their baby is born.
  • In your conversation with your employer, try to maintain a positive tone. There is no need to apologize for your pregnancy. You’re a valuable team member, and that’s not changing just because you’re pregnant.
  • If you’re concerned about how your boss will receive your news, consider bringing an HR representative to your meeting.
  • It’s a good idea to follow up after your meeting. Sending your boss and HR representative a letter or email could help avoid any issues or miscommunication about your leave and return-to-work plan later on.

As a pregnant worker, you will need to take time off for prenatal appointments. These appointments may become more frequent as your pregnancy progresses.

If you have complications or a high risk pregnancy, you may have to schedule extra appointments for additional testing.

Be honest with your employer about the importance of these appointments. Regular visits to your OB-GYN or midwife are essential for a healthy pregnancy.

Depending on your job duties and weekly schedule, you might ask for more flexibility.

Flex schedules will vary depending on your company, but they may include:

  • arriving late and leaving later in the day
  • arriving early and leaving earlier in the day
  • rearranging your lunch break to come in late or leave early
  • working more hours on some days of the week to have an extra day off

If a flex schedule isn’t an option, here are some tips for scheduling your prenatal appointments:

  • If possible, make your appointments during your break or on a day off. Scheduling your appointments when you’re not expected at work may allow you to put more of your sick time toward paid leave.
  • Ask your healthcare team if they offer hours outside the typical 9-to-5 workday. Some healthcare professionals may provide evening or weekend appointments to accommodate those who cannot attend appointments during typical work hours.
  • Give your manager or supervisor as much notice as possible ahead of your appointments. This will help them get coverage for your duties ahead of time if needed.
  • When making your prenatal appointments, have your work calendar ready. This will help you avoid missing important meetings or required tasks.
  • If you have a partner, consider having them ask about their company guidelines for taking time off to attend appointments with you.

Once your baby is born, you’ll need time off to recover. Of course, you’ll also be busy caring for your newborn and establishing nursing routines and other essentials, like sleep.

Short-term disability plans usually offer 6 weeks of paid time off after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery and 8 weeks after cesarean delivery (C-section).

If you’re experiencing pregnancy complications, you may also qualify for leave before your child is born.

Beyond this, your company may have a parental leave program. Ask HR for details on:

  • what’s available to you
  • when you should request leave
  • what forms you’ll need to fill out
  • other information (like doctor notes) you’ll be required to provide

Under the FMLA, new parents may take up to 12 weeks of leave to care for their newborn. The leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on your state’s laws and the amount of sick leave you’ve accrued.

To qualify for FMLA, you must have worked for your current employer for at least 1 year (12 months) before starting your leave. Also, your workplace must have at least 50 employees (private sector) or be a public agency, public school, or private school.

Consider how much leave you’ll want to take and communicate it with your employer in advance. Just keep in mind that how much time you’ll need or want to take off could change for various reasons.

The FMLA dictates that when you return to work, your employer is required to offer your original job or an equivalent role that provides the same pay and benefits.

Even the best-laid plans could shift as you approach your due date. Your doctor may suggest starting your leave early if you experience complications, like preterm labor.

Signs of preterm labor include:

  • abdominal cramping, pain, or pressure
  • watery, bloody, or other discharge from the vagina
  • increased discharge of any kind
  • back pain or ache
  • painful or painless contractions that occur regularly or frequently
  • rupture of membranes (also known as your water breaking)

Preterm labor isn’t the only pregnancy complication that would impact your ability to work. Beyond any pregnancy-related health conditions, you may not be sleeping well or have other physical symptoms, like swelling, that make your job uncomfortable.

Discuss complications and symptoms with your healthcare team. Your doctor may offer tips to help you be more comfortable at work, or they may write you a note to help you obtain specific accommodations.

If your job doesn’t seem safe for you or your baby, your doctor may also advise bed rest, which could mean you would have to take some of your leave early.

In many cases, pregnant people can continue safely working up until childbirth. However, every pregnancy and job situation is unique.

Learn your company’s policies around workplace discrimination and parental leave, and contact your HR department for additional details.

You can also ask your doctor about any concerns related to your health or your developing baby’s health that could affect your work responsibilities.