Pregnancy and Work

Information for managers

Managers should perform a risk assessment of a woman’s work when she informs them that she is pregnant.

Physical effort 

Employers should reduce heavy physical activities and lifting for pregnant workers where possible, particularly in late pregnancy. However, if a pregnant worker who has been informed of the possible risk wishes to continue then there are insufficient grounds to impose restrictions against her will.

Working hours

Employers should reduce long working hours for pregnant workers, particularly in late pregnancy. Where possible, hours should be limited to about 40 per week. Again, if a pregnant worker who has been informed of the possible risk wishes to continue then the employer cannot enforce these restrictions.

Shift work

There is insufficient evidence of a risk to pregnant women to make recommendations to restrict shift work, including rotating shifts or night and evening work.