Your health and safety in pregnancy

Is there any reason I shouldn't work while I'm pregnant?

If you're having a low-risk, normal pregnancy, you can certainly continue working. But of course you must make sure that the kind of work you do and your working conditions will not put your health or your baby's health at risk.

In many countries women's health and employment rights are protected by law during pregnancy and afterwards. In the UK for instance, women have the right to a risk assessment in pregnancy to make sure their work will not harm them and their employers are legally required to provide a safe work environment for them. If this is not possible, the employer is required to transfer or suspend her on full pay.

Unfortunately for us, maternity benefits and legal protection are not as clear cut nor as extensive in Malaysia. The Employment Act 1955 provides:
• a minimum of 60 consecutive days of maternity leave, and further states that employment cannot be terminated while a woman is on maternity leave
• a minimum maternity allowance of RM6 a day
• that if an eligible employee dies from any cause during the confinement period, her maternity allowance is paid to her nominee.

However, if your monthly income is more than RM1,500, you are not covered by the Act. You will have to rely on your employment contract or employee handbook. Check to see if there are any maternity benefits or additional privileges during pregnancy. You could also check with your trade union representative.

So what can I do to take care of myself while I am pregnant at work?

Health and safety issues are not just about obvious physical problems, but also things like mental and physical fatigue, movements and postures, travelling and noise. So any concerns you have about your work should be brought up with your boss.

Even if your job requires minimal standing and nothing more risky than lifting a telephone, you may find some simple measures will make you feel more comfortable. You could try:

• Taking breaks. Put your feet up if you've been standing, or stand and walk around every two hours if you've been sitting. This will help decrease swelling in your feet and ankles, and it should keep you more comfortable. Throw in a few stretching exercises to protect your back.

• Resting when you can. The more strenuous your job, the more you may want to reduce physical activity outside work.

• Wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing.

• Taking time to eat regular meals. Add fibre to your diet to ease constipation.

• Choose lunches that are balanced and nutritious. Consider packing your lunch from home so you can avoid the risks of eating at dirty hawker stalls (including food poisoning).

Can I work right up to my due date?

You are legally allowed to work for as long as you want -- it is your choice when to start maternity leave.
Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may find yourself feeling tired very quickly, so take it as easy as possible. And don't be a hero -- if you can afford to start your maternity leave a week or two before your due date, consider using it to rest, prepare and indulge yourself. Remember that this may be the last quality time you have for yourself for a long time to come...

Are jobs that require a lot of physical activity dangerous?

A demanding job may become too difficult and even dangerous towards the end of pregnancy. If you have a strenuous job, talk to your doctor about it. If your doctor thinks you must reduce your activities, speak to your employer about a suitable alternative. If this is not possible, consider getting your doctor to write a letter to your employer stating that you need to take sick leave for an extended period.

Is there any risk associated with working at a computer?

There's no evidence that working at a computer causes any harm to your developing baby.

If I have any possible pregnancy complications, should I stop working?

Talk it over with your doctor, as it will depend on your condition. But you may be advised to stop if you've previously given birth to more than one premature baby, have either diabetes or high blood pressure, have a history of miscarriage, or are expecting twins.