121 - Supporting work restrictions and accommodations during pregnancy

Session Description: This talk will provide a summary of recommended work restrictions during pregnancy with consideration for common workplace concerns and functional limitations. Work restrictions and special considerations for early pregnancy loss, uncomplicated 1st and 2nd trimester pregnancies, and 3rd trimester pregnancies will be summarized. Data from a systematic review and meta-analysis suggesting that lifting > 10kg more than 10 times per day may be associated with pregnancy loss and preterm deliver will be shared and clinical guidelines for occupational lifting from NIOSH and ACOG will be summarized. Laws and regulations surrounding accommodations in pregnancy including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will be discussed. In addition, the authors will participate in a panel discussion focused accommodation of pregnant healthcare workers when needed including temporary reassignment requests.

Educational Gaps: Most OEM physicians are aware of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, however many are unfamiliar with more recent Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. It is important for OEM clinicians to understand when a work restriction is needed vs when the employee should initiate an interactive discussion about accommodations. This talk will provide tools for clinicians to support their patients and employers.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: N/A

Has this session previously been presented?: This presentation has not been previously presented at AOHC, but was presented at the Central States CSOEMA Fall summit and was well received.

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: Pregnancy is a natural phase of life that most adults experience either directly or indirectly. It is important that we support workers during the course of pregnancy to allow them to continue to work and return to work to promote a productive and healthy work environment.