HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WORK DURING YOUR PREGNANCY???

Generally speaking, most women can work throughout their pregnancies.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a healthy woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy, and a job posing no more hazards than those you would have in your daily living,may continue to work until the onset of labor.  It is really your decision, along with your health care provider.

If your job involves exposure to certain chemical, long periods of time on your feet and/or stressful conditions, strenuous work or heavy lifting, you should request for a transfer to a less stressful and less hazardous work environment.  Be sure to speak with your health care provider and employer about this.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act requires employers to offer the same disability leave and pay to pregnant employees as it does for other employees who miss work for other health related problems.  The Act makes it illegal to fire or refuse to promote a woman because she is pregnant.  If you feel as though you are being discriminated against, you should call 1-800-669-3362.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employers to let their employees know any information regarding harmful agents in the work place.  The Act requires employers to provide a hazard-free work place.  If you feel you are being exposed to harmful agents/chemicals call 1-800-356-4674.

The Family and Medical Leave Act.  This Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to allow pregnant women up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12 month period of time for the following:

• The birth, adoption or foster care of a child.
• A serious health problem interfering with her ability to do her job due to pregnancy, or birth-related disability.
• When an employee need to take care of a spouse, a child, or a parent with a serious health problem.

For more information on the Family and Medical Leave Act, contact the Dept. of Labor at 1-800-959-3652.