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What are reasonable accommodations for pregnancy?

On Behalf of | Apr 18, 2024 | Employment Law

When you’re bringing new life into this world, it’s a special time – but your body is going to go through some changes that may make it harder for you to function, especially at work.

You have the legal right to ask for reasonable accommodations for your pregnancy. Here’s what that might entail:

1. Flexible work schedules

Flexible start and end times to accommodate medical appointments or periods of fatigue during pregnancy are common requests. You may also need to take intermittent leave for additional doctor’s visits.

2. Workplace modifications

Ergonomic furniture at your desk or adjusting your workstation to include a chair (if you normally stand) can help ease pregnancy-related back strain or swelling in your legs. You may also need permission to keep crackers and a drink at your workstation or desk, even if that’s not normally allowed.

3. Temporary job modifications

Adjustments to your job duties or alternative tasks that are less physically demanding or pose less risk to your health can be helpful. That can include light-duty assignments or simply asking for help filing because you’re unable to bend very easily.

4. Extra breaks

Extra bathroom breaks or short rest breaks may be necessary to accommodate the physical demands of pregnancy, such as periods of nausea or fatigue.

5. Remote work options

If your job can be done remotely and you’re struggling with pregnancy-related complications that require bed rest, that can also be a reasonable request. 

Despite all of the gains for equality that have made in the workplace, pregnancy discrimination can still be a massive issue. If you believe that you’ve been unfairly denied reasonable accommodations or you’ve been fired for even asking, learning more about your legal options from an experienced law firm can help you decide your next move.

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