Pregnancy and Ergonomics – Possible Work Related Risks for Pregnant Women

Over half the number of adult women in the United States work outside the home and this statistic is significant when considering workplace safety for pregnant women, since an estimated 6 million pregnancies occur in the country each year.

Consider the potential workplace hazards that women can face when pregnant so that the workplace can be made safer for expectant moms–

• Awkward postures could be a problem as could long periods of sitting immobile at a desk. This can cause general aches and pains and in particular, back pain can be aggravated at this time.
• Also other discomforts like water retention, particularly swelling in the ankles manifest or become exacerbated at this time.
• Many women can experience carpal tunnel syndrome for the first time during pregnancy – it is a condition that is one of the less common pregnancy symptoms.
• Actions that require any heavy lifting could also be a problem for pregnant women at the work place.
• As the pregnancy progresses the increasing size of a woman’s belly may pose other problems such as balance, coordination, dexterity, speed and agility, which could also be impaired.
• As pregnancy hormone cause a softening of certain ligaments in the body, there is also an increased likelihood of certain injuries.