how to Ensure a safe pregnancy in the workplace

Growing up, I was very active in sports, winning multiple trophies in cross-country and playing actively on my school’s netball team. This led me to always have a competent and strong perspective on my body, which could withstand a lot, from injuries to performing strenuous tasks without issue. However, these activities completely disappeared from my life as I pursued my undergraduate degree, followed by PhD, and eventually moved on to married life.

Why would I mention all this when we are talking about safety during pregnancy? Well, providing this background is important as this is what led to the issues I faced during pregnancy and afterwards as well, where I tend to constantly get injured performing the seemingly most menial of tasks.

When I first found out about my pregnancy, each time, like every woman, I was elated! I was reading every single day on BabyCenter about how my baby was developing inside me, the best nutrition for my growing fetus, finding ways to cope with my symptoms one day at a time (especially in the first trimester), and, reading further about anything new I came across on the world wide web! I didn’t want to admit this, but EVERYTHING revolved around my pregnancy!

My husband and I had our fair share of ups and downs during our pregnancies, but we will always be grateful to the higher powers for blessing us with a healthy baby each time. 

My work as a postdoc involved research in the lab, and the need to re-assess my risks at work once I was pregnant was an afterthought as I was working with BSL1 material (for the non-scientist, this refers to biohazardous work that poses minimal risk to healthy individuals), which never posed any risks to me previously (as a healthy individual). 

As pregnant individuals, we read about ensuring our workplace is safe for our pregnancy, however, we overlook the importance of this, especially if we have never faced any safety concerns as healthy individuals. Moreover, there is usually little to no guidance and information on the hazards we should be on the lookout for in our specific workplace, outside of, do not carry heavy things, do not stand for long hours, elevate your feet, etc. 

These were the things I came to realize and learned from my pregnancies due to a few hiccups that caused a lot of stress for us, some of which had to do with the “strong” impression I had of my body from my background. 

I hope with the information in this post and pregnancy safety checklists at the bottom, expecting mothers can be better equipped to identify hazards in their workplace (and home). This, in addition to speaking to their healthcare provider, will help ensure the safety of themselves and their little one, as they are no longer considered normal healthy individuals. 

The Expecting Body

As pregnant individuals, we fail to realize that just being pregnant in itself increases our risks in the same “safe” workplace due to the various bodily changes. These myriad of changes can affect a woman’s ability to work safely, whether it is in the office or other settings such as a lab, all of which present numerous hazards. These changes include but are not limited to:

1. hormonal changes that can affect balance and joint stability, making tasks involving heavy lifting or sudden movements riskier,
2. increased blood volume that causes swelling, fatigue, and increased strain on the body particularly when standing or sitting for long periods, 
3. increased heart rate and respiratory demands that can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath, 
4. musculoskeletal changes that strain the posture and back as the uterus grows. 
5. suppression of the immune system which increases susceptibility to infections, 
6. changes in balance and coordination increase the risk of accidents, 
7. hormonal changes and physical discomfort can affect emotional well-being.

These changes, therefore, make the expecting individual more susceptible to hazards. Hence, accommodating these changes through proper ergonomics, safer working conditions, and reduced risk exposure is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

While many workplaces, including labs, take steps to promote health and safety, they might lack awareness or procedures to ensure the health and safety of expecting mothers. Recognizing and understanding these hazards and implementing the appropriate protective measures are essential for fostering a supportive work environment.

Common Laboratory/Workplace Hazards for Pregnant Individuals

1. Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Working in many laboratories (and some other workplaces) involves exposure to hazardous substances such as solvents, reagents, heavy metals, and radiation. These chemicals can negatively impact fetal development, causing birth defects or pregnancy complications. It is critical to assess the safety of the chemicals used by expectant individuals or that might be in their surroundings to reduce the risk of exposure. 

One way to do this is to refer to the safety information of every chemical (found in SDS) or biological agent you work with to ensure your safety. Also, note that exposure limits or safety information as it relates to pregnant individuals or the developing fetus might not always be available. So, do your due diligence before handling anything! 

Upon determination of the hazards and risks, appropriate control measures (Hierarchy of hazard controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE) must be implemented, such as the use of proper protective equipment to reduce exposure or determine alternative work assignments where possible.

2. Radiation and Biological Hazards

Pregnant individuals working with radioactive materials or infectious agents face increased risks of radiation exposure and infections that could harm fetal development. It is essential to ensure proper shielding, adherence to safety protocols, and limiting exposure to high-risk materials.

3. Physical Strain and Ergonomic Risks

Long hours of standing, repetitive pipetting, and handling heavy loads or equipment can lead to musculoskeletal stress, increased fatigue, and potential complications like preterm labor or high blood pressure. 

It might be that pregnant individuals (speaking from personal experience) think they can perform the same tasks as before they were pregnant. The importance of not stretching your body beyond its limits is something I learnt the hard way. 

I was always too shy to ask for help and in my third trimester, I made the mistake of carrying a heavy load as I did not want to inconvenience other individuals. This led to my water breaking the very next day, at 35 weeks, giving birth prematurely. You can call it my stupidity, and that is the reason I want to emphasize the importance of not taking your pregnancy lightly or perceiving your body as strong as it was before pregnancy. 

DO NOT be afraid to ask for help EVER! Always bear in mind that the numerous bodily changes put you at an increased risk of injury and make you more vulnerable to infections as compared to other healthy individuals. 

Ways to mitigate the risks associated with physical strain and ergonomics could be to use ergonomic workstations (if possible), schedule breaks, and limit physically demanding tasks.

4. Extreme Temperatures and Poor Ventilation

Workplaces such as laboratories often involve working in environments with fluctuating temperatures, such as cold rooms or autoclaves. The pregnant individual tends to run warmer near the end of their pregnancy, and this is why proper hydration and listening to bodily cues early are paramount to your safety.

Exposure to extreme conditions can lead to dehydration, fainting, or heat stress. Proper climate control, hydration breaks, and adequate ventilation can help ensure comfort and safety.

5. Workplace Stress and Mental Health Struggles

High-pressure work environments such as labs, have deadlines, long experiments, and intense workloads, which can contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure, in turn affecting pregnancy outcomes. A supportive culture, flexible work arrangements, and access to mental health resources are key to reducing stress for expectant individuals.

6. Risk of Slips, Trips, and Falls

As pregnancy progresses, balance and coordination can be affected, increasing the risk of falls. Speak to your employer about maintaining clean, clutter-free floors, providing anti-slip mats (if possible), and ensuring proper lighting to minimize trip hazards in work spaces such as labs and warehouses.

Importance of a Safe Environment for Pregnant Individuals (Recommendations for the Supervisor/Employer)

Ensuring a safe work environment for pregnant individuals is not just a legal obligation but a moral and ethical responsibility.

Legal Protections and Employer Responsibilities

Various labor laws and workplace regulations protect pregnant employees, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations and prohibit discrimination. Understanding these rights helps ensure that expectant individuals are not unfairly treated or put in unsafe situations.

Fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Culture

Workplaces, including laboratories, that prioritize the well-being of pregnant individuals promote a culture of inclusivity and care. Open communication, peer support, and managerial training on pregnancy accommodations help create a positive and healthy work environment.

Boosting Employee Well-being and Productivity

When pregnant individuals feel safe and supported, they are more likely to remain engaged and productive. Providing comfortable workstations, adjusting responsibilities, and offering wellness programs can enhance overall job satisfaction.

Flexibility and support – every pregnancy and every individual is different, there is a need to provide support to expecting individuals at all times and also due to the numerous medical needs that arise through this span of time from conception to after delivery.

Tips for Creating a Pregnancy-Friendly Workplace (including Labs)

• Conduct regular workplace risk assessments.
• Encourage open dialogue about pregnancy-related needs.
• Provide necessary adjustments, such as seating modifications and workload adjustments.
• Ensure proper ventilation and climate control.
• Promote flexible work policies, including work-from-home options if possible.
• Offer maternity leave benefits and postpartum support.

By prioritizing safety, comfort, and flexibility, research institutions can create an environment where both parents and scientific progress thrive. 

Conclusion

Work with your employer and healthcare provider to take proactive steps to minimize hazards and support yourself and expectant researchers (or colleagues). This contributes to a healthier workforce, improved morale, and a more inclusive work culture. 

Use the checklists below to evaluate your lab/work environment to identify hazards and determine ways to mitigate the risks. This checklist is not exhaustive nor a substitute for a healthcare provider's expert evaluation of your pregnancy and risks. So, make sure you use this checklist as a guide, but not the only guide! 

Wishing you a safe pregnancy!