Pregnancy can be a time of mixed emotions. Not only are you navigating the hormonal and physical changes that pregnancy brings, but you may be experiencing contrasting emotions – excitement and/or anxiety.
A pregnant person has the legal right to take time off work to attend antenatal appointments with either their midwife or doctor. These appointments include:
- Routine antenatal care appointments
These appointments are essential for monitoring the health of both the pregnant person and the baby. - Scans and other tests
Ultrasound scans, blood tests, and other necessary procedures related to the pregnancy must be supported. - Additional medical appointments
The pregnant person may have pre-existing medical conditions or a condition that arises in pregnancy. Should this be the case the employee is entitled to attend additional medical appointments as recommended by their healthcare professional.
Common Conditions That Occur In Pregnancy
Common conditions that occur in pregnancy, include:
Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness)
Nausea and vomiting, often referred to as “morning sickness,” is a common symptom in early pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day, and typically settles by around 12 weeks’ gestation but in some women can occur throughout the pregnancy.
- Nausea and vomiting can lead to feeling tired, weak, and difficulty focusing.
- Symptoms vary in severity – some women experiencing mild symptom, while others may struggle with more intense symptoms that impact their ability to work.
If you are struggling with persistent nausea and vomiting, and/or experience any of the symptoms above it is important to contact your midwife or healthcare provider.
Below are some of the adjustments that may be made at work if you are suffering with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
- More frequent breaks: These allow you to take short, frequent breaks to manage nausea.
- Flexible hours: adjusting start times may help employees cope with symptoms, especially if they are more pronounced in the morning.
- Access to food and hydration: if your role permits, you should be allowed to have snacks and water at your workspace, as small, frequent snacks may help alleviate nausea.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy due to changes that occur in pregnancy. UTIs can lead to complications, including kidney infections, which may affect the health of you and/or your baby.
Your urine will be tested at each antenatal visit, but it is important that if you experience any of the symptoms below to contact your midwife/GP/maternity assessment unit.
Symptoms of UTI
- Pain on passing urine
- Lower abdominal (tummy) pain or pain in the lower back or flank
- Foul smelling urine
- Increased frequency of passing urine, often small amounts (sometimes difficult to differentiate with normal increased frequency in pregnancy)
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition in which you have fewer red blood cells or lower haemoglobin levels than normal, affecting your body’s ability to carry enough oxygen. This is especially common in pregnancy due to the increased blood volume and demands on the body, making iron deficiency anaemia the most common type.
Why Is Iron Important During Pregnancy?
Iron is essential to produce haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to support your growing baby and the increased blood volume. Without enough iron, you may feel tired and run-down, and your baby may be at a higher risk for low birth weight or preterm birth.
Symptoms of Anaemia in Pregnancy
While some anaemia symptoms may overlap with normal pregnancy symptoms, especially fatigue, here are signs to be aware of:
- Fatigue and Weakness – feeling unusually tired, even after a rest
- Pale Skin or Lips – noticing a paleness in your skin, gums, or inner eyelids
- Dizziness or Light-headedness – experiencing moments of feeling faint
- Shortness of Breath – finding it hard to catch your breath during everyday activities
- Heart Palpitations – Having a rapid or irregular heartbeat
Diagnosing Anemia in Pregnancy
During your antenatal care, your healthcare provider will check for anaemia as part of routine blood tests at your booking visit, around 28 weeks and if you experience signs or symptoms of anaemia. Based on these results, they can determine if you need additional support or treatment.
Managing and Preventing Anaemia in Pregnancy
If you are diagnosed with anaemia during pregnancy, here are some common management steps:
- Iron-Rich Diet: Eating iron-rich foods can help boost your iron levels. Include sources such as:
- Lean red meats
- Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
- Dried fruits (apricots, raisins)
- Fortified cereals and whole grains
- Folate and B12: These vitamins are also essential for preventing anaemia. Make sure to include folate-rich foods, such as beans and leafy greens, and B12-rich foods, such as eggs, dairy, and fish.
- Vitamin C Intake: Consuming foods high in vitamin C (like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers) with iron-rich foods can help your body absorb iron more effectively.
- Iron Supplements: Your healthcare provider may recommend an iron supplement if your levels are low. These are often taken in tablet form but be sure to take these as directed and report any side effects.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
- If you notice any symptoms of anaemia, such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, or breathlessness
- If you have difficulty tolerating iron supplements.
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy
https://patient.info/pregnancy/diet-and-lifestyle-during-pregnancy
Baby (Foetal) Movements
During pregnancy, your baby’s movements are a sign that your baby is well. These movements may feel like kicks, flutters, swishes, or rolls and are usually noticeable by around 16 to 24 weeks. Each baby has its own pattern of movement, and it’s important for you to get to know your baby’s unique pattern.
What Are Normal Fetal Movements?
Movements often become more regular and recognizable from 18 -24 weeks of pregnancy. These movements should remain the same throughout your pregnancy, up to and during labour.
Babies may move differently throughout the day. They often have active times and more restful periods, but you should feel regular movement each day.
When should I Be Concerned?
If you notice a change in your baby’s regular pattern of movements or if the movements reduce or stop it is important to get checked by your healthcare provider. A change in your baby’s movements could be a warning sign that your baby is unwell. Usually, however, a check-up reveals that everything is OK.
Steps To Take If This Occurs
Contact your health care provider and/or your local maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day or next appointment.
DO NOT rely on a home doppler or smartphone app to check your baby’s heartbeat.
Remember!!!!
If at any point you are worried about your baby’s movements, seek medical advice promptly.
No matter the number of times you are unhappy with your baby’s movements – contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately again.
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-symptom-checker/baby-fetal-movements
Pre-Eclampsia
This is a common and serious condition that only occurs in pregnancy or shortly after the baby is born. It is where the pregnant person develops high blood pressure usually after 20 weeks’ gestation AND have protein in the urine.
Pre-eclampsia can affect the pregnant person’s health and the health of the baby; therefore, it is important that you:
- Attend your antenatal clinic appointments regularly.
At your appointments you will have your blood pressure taken and your urine tested for protein – these are important tests to check for pre-eclampsia. - Be aware of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia
- Severe headaches
- Disturbances in vision e.g. flashing lights or floaters
- Severe swelling of hands, feet or face
- Severe pain under the ribs or in your upper abdomen
- Nausea/vomiting
- Baby not moving as normal or no movements
- Feeling unwell
Domestic Abuse
Around 1 in 3 women are affected by domestic abuse when they are pregnant. Pregnancy can be a trigger for domestic abuse, and existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after giving birth. There are lots of different forms of abusive and controlling behaviour, which can cause you harm in different ways. There is support available for any type of abuse you may experience. Please see Helpful Links for specialist support.
How do I know if it is domestic abuse?
Being pregnant or having a new baby can be such a happy event. But it can also bring a lot of new pressures on your relationship with your partner. Even the best prepared couples often feel tired, drained and overstretched.
It’s very common for couples to argue more after the arrival of a new baby. This is normal and it’s not the same as domestic abuse. However, if you find that you are arguing a lot and not finding a way through your differences together, this can still have a negative effect on both of you and your baby. Please see Helpful Links for specialist support.
What Should I Do If I’m Pregnant and I’m Concerned About My Workplace?
Some working conditions and processes can potentially harm you and/or your baby so it is important to assess and control the risks you may be exposed to. To help you assess your concerns or potential risk at work, please complete this questionnaire which may be a useful starting point when seeking support from your employer.