Pregnancy Accommodations

Learn more about your workplace rights.

You may be entitled to a workplace accommodation– or a change to how, when, or where you do your job – to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Accommodations can help you continue working and earning a paycheck.

Additionally, you may be entitled to take leave – before and after giving birth. And after returning to work, you may be entitled to take breaks during the day to pump breastmilk.   You may also be entitled to workplace accommodations after returning to work to help ensure a healthy recovery from any postpartum complications.

Whether you are entitled to these protections depends on the state where you live, the size and policies of your employer, and any health conditions you have during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it is not straightforward. But the resources below can help.

Check out the resources below to learn more about your workplace rights.

TALKING TO YOUR BOSS ABOUT YOUR BUMP?
Considering how to tell your boss about your pregnancy, or a change you need at work to stay healthy? View practical tips created by WorkLife Law and A Better Balance. Select the state where you work. 

Getting Help from Your Healthcare Provider
The note your prenatal care provider writes to your employer is critical in ensuring you receive any adjustments you may need at your job to continue working while maintaining a healthy pregnancy and protecting your health after birth. Unfortunately healthcare providers are typically not trained in writing effective work notes for their pregnant patients.  Select the state where you work to download note-writing guidelines your healthcare provider can follow to increase the likelihood that you will be accommodated at work.

NEED AN ACCOMMODATION?
Click the green button to view workable accommodations for typical pregnancy-related conditions. Speak with your doctor about what is best for you.
Getting Help At Work

Are you pregnant at work? Need light duty, additional breaks, leave, or other accommodations? Have questions about your rights and responsibilities?

View Getting Help At Work to learn from the experts at WorkLife Law and A Better Balance about the state and federal laws that protect pregnant women, along with practical tips for making it easier to work while pregnant.

Getting Help From Your Union 

In Solidarity: Union Support for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Workers Webinar

This webinar teaches shop stewards, labor educators, and union members what legal rights pregnant and breastfeeding workers have under federal and state law, how to use common collective bargaining agreement terms to ensure fair treatment, and tips for counseling members and handling related grievances.

The Shop Steward’s Guide to Counseling and Representing Pregnant Workers

The Shop Steward’s Guide to Counseling and Representing Pregnant Workers provides shop stewards the tools they need to effectively represent pregnant and breastfeeding workers, including practical tips for counseling workers and explanations of the laws and common contractual provisions that can be used to secure their workplace rights.

Have questions?

Contact the Center for WorkLife Law’s free legal hotline to speak to a lawyer about your rights.  

Email [email protected] or call (415) 703-8276.

Learn about WorkLife Law’s COVID-19 Resources and Helpline.
Aprenda más sobre los recursos y la línea telefonica de ayuda COVID-19 de WorkLife Law.
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