You need to be aware of your rights to antenatal and maternity care.
Talk to your doctor, nurse, or midwife if you are concerned about your work-related health.
Talk to your employer, union representative or someone from the personnel department (HR).
Tell your employer you are pregnant. They should conduct a risk assessment to determine if you and your baby are at risk.
They must make reasonable adjustments to eliminate any potential risks. This could include changing your work hours.
It may be illegal to continue working if you are exposed to chemicals, lead, or X-rays or do heavy lifting.
Your employer must offer you an alternative job on the same terms as your original one.
Your employer should give you paid leave and suspend you on full-time pay if there is no other option.
You can file a claim against your employer if your employer fails pay you during your suspension (within three months). This would not affect your maternity pay and maternity leave. More information on maternity leave and maternity pay can be found at GOV.UK.
Computer screens can be a concern during pregnancy. Recent research has not shown that computer screens can pose a danger to your baby.
Maternity Action, Citizens Advice, and GOV.UK have more information about pregnant employees’ rights. They include your right to paid time off to provide antenatal care and what you can do if you feel that you are being treated unfairly.
Coping at Work with Pregnancy Symptoms
It is possible to feel tired, especially in the last few weeks.
Use your lunch break to eat, and then take a rest. Ask your employer if it is possible to work slightly longer hours if traveling during rush hour is too exhausting.
Do not rush to get another job cooking or cleaning up after you return from work. Ask a friend, partner, or family member to help you.
Learn more about tiredness during pregnancy.
You might have nausea or vomiting, which can make it difficult to work.
Ask your employer to change the hours so you don’t feel as bad or work from home on days that you have morning sickness.
Talk to a doctor or midwife if your symptoms are severe.
Learn more about morning sickness and vomiting.
