When Can You Request Maternity Leave During Pregnancy? – Being Parents

Early in pregnancy, the pregnant women who work outside the home are wondering at what point in pregnancy apply for maternity leave. It would be best to ask for a stop two months before the delivery, taking into account the typical discomfort of this condition.

However, currently pregnant women try to work until the last day. The goal is to take advantage of the months off to spend as much time as possible caring for the newborn.

For the well-being of the mother and the future baby, one must take into account the nature of the work of the pregnant woman. Although pregnancy is a normal stage, and not a crippling disease, certain work demands can interfere with the process.

Some jobs involve long hours spent standing or sitting. Or, lifting heavy objects, having a lot of pressure or having to make frequent movements. These conditions are incompatible with advanced pregnancy. First, there is the discomfort due to the targeted and general weight gain of the pregnant woman. Adding to this mental or physical exertion can interfere with the gestation process.

The Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics has prepared a guide on the subject. In it, they explain to us when to request sick leave depending on the physical activity of the work performed by the pregnant woman.

Tips for requesting sick leave during pregnancy

The Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics provides the following criteria and risks to determine when to request maternity leave:

Stay upright . Standing for more than three hours continuously has been associated with premature births and delayed fetal growth. This risk increases if the pregnant woman suffers from varicose veins.
Lift heavy objects. It is very dangerous in the final stage of pregnancy, given the pressure on the stomach. Furthermore, does the lifting heavy objects incorrectly can cause more damage.

To go up the stairs. It is an activity which, when it is very frequent, involves a lot of physical effort. And this load is in addition to the abdominal weight gain.

A pregnant woman can apply for maternity leave earlier if her work involves too much physical effort.

Calendar of pregnancy weeks and associated risks

Here are some activities to avoid from the weeks mentioned:

Week 18

Lift more than 10 kilograms, four or more times per working day.
Bend below the knee more than ten times per hour.

Week 22

Remain standing for more than four hours at a stretch per day.

Week 26

Bend between two and nine times per hour.
Climb the stairs four or more times a day.

Lift five to ten kilogram loads more than four times per working day.

Week 30

Standing intermittently for more than 30 minutes per hour.

Week 37

Stay up for less than four hours a day and less than 30 minutes an hour.
Bend below the knee less than twice an hour.
Climbing stairs less than four times per working day.
Lift loads of less than five kilograms less than four times per working day.

Other work factors that pose risks for pregnancy

Apart from the above, other factors related to work responsibilities are troublesome in the middle and final stages of pregnancy. These can condition the mother’s decision to request sick leave during pregnancy or not.

One of them is sitting for long periods of time. Indeed, the fact of sitting for a long time and in the same position has a negative impact on the back. In addition, weight gain during pregnancy makes the situation worse.

Other aspects to take into account:

Tiredness

Pregnancy should be experienced as comfortably as possible. An excessive workload or a very demanding professional activity goes against this. Faced with this reality, we must demand the reduction or lightening of tasks. You can also delegate part of the work to other employees.

Asking for a termination during pregnancy is a decision to be made with the doctor.

The stress

The intensity and duration of stress at work is incompatible with the ideal conditions required by pregnancy. This will also depend on the personality of the pregnant woman. Breathing exercises and relaxation are necessary in cases of high pressure and stress.

Hazardous work by nature

If the work involves handling hazardous materials or high-risk activities, the pregnant woman will have to stop working during pregnancy.

With all of the above, if the pregnant woman suffers from any health problem, she will need to ensure the necessary conditions to overcome this stage without any risk.

Asking for termination during pregnancy should be a decision that does not affect the health of mother and child. It is advisable to consult the doctor who controls the development of the process. Indeed, it is a decision to be taken responsibly, taking into account the peculiarities of the pregnant woman and the type of work she performs.