It is safe for most women to work during pregnancy.  Certain types of work however, are associated with an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes including low birth weight, prematurity, small for dates, high blood pressure, and miscarriage.

Working conditions which are linked to poor pregnancy outcomes include:
• standing for long periods;
• heavy lifting;
• working more than 40 hours a week;
• commuting more than one hour a day;
• stressful environments;
• exposure to high noise levels;
• rotating shifts; and
• an unusual level of fatigue. 

Your work environment is also important.  Exposure to toxic substances, such as lead, metal fumes, toluene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), solvents, radiation or toxic wastes may be associated with low birth weight, or birth defects.

Housework and childcare can also be very strenuous and stressful.  These should be considered when determining whether you are at risk for low birth weight.  If you work at home, you should also adopt the guidelines which follow to minimize risk to you and your baby.  And be sure to practice a healthy lifestyle.
 

Eat well.  Exercise.  Do not smoke, or take drugs or  alcohol.  Take a multivitamin with folic acid daily.

There are many things you can you do to decrease the risk for you and your baby.

Let your employer and coworkers know early in pregnancy that you are pregnant.  Well informed co-workers and managers can provide a more supportive environment.  For ideas on how to gain support in your workplace, see Working With Your Employer During Pregnancy, available from the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, or our website. 

Take responsibility for finding out about your work environment.
• Check for exposure to the dangerous substances listed on previous page.
• Check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and get more information by talking with your employer, health and safety committee, or occupational health nurse.

Avoid exposures to dangerous substances, and protect yourself from physical hazards, such as vibration, radiation, and temperature extremes. 
• Avoid pesticides and solvents, such as paint thinners, aerosols, oven cleaners. 
• Paint or wallpaper over lead-based paint without sanding.  If your house is more than 22 years old, ask someone else to do the painting.  Use paints with low volatile organic compound (VOC), and wear a mask with an organic vapour cartridge. 
• Wear the type of gloves recommended for handling specific chemicals.
• Wash your hands after using chemicals, and before eating.

If you work with children, try to avoid exposure to sick children.  For information on how to protect yourself and your baby from infection during pregnancy, ask for a copy of our brochure Pregnancy and Germs: Protecting You and Your Baby, available at the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, or check out our website. 
 

Modify your work habits, and request extra rest periods if needed.  Discuss alternate work assignments if you are at risk for low birth weight, or birth defects.  • Avoid heavy lifting - more than 50 lbs, or 24 kg after 20 weeks.  • Avoid standing for more than 4 hours at a time after 24 weeks.  Is My Work Strenuous Work?, provides guidelines, and is available at the Peterborough County-City Health Unit.

Your employer and colleagues have a role too in providing a safe, healthy and supportive workplace.

It is reasonable to expect your employer to:
• provide a smoke-free working environment;
• ensure good ventilation;
• consider your need for prenatal visits to the doctor;
• use the safest products available, and if there is a possibility of exposure to hazardous materials, provide changerooms, showers, and locker facilities; and
• offer alternative work assignments if you are involved with heavy lifting, strenuous work, shift work, or long hours of work. 

Offer your employer a copy of Health and Safety of Your Pregnant Employee, available from the Peterborough County-City Health Unit.

Do not hesitate to ask colleagues to:
• respect no-smoking policies; and
• be supportive, just by being someone to talk to, or to help you out occasionally.