Even though some workers stand all day, most jobs only require employees to stand for part of their shifts. Indeed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average civilian worker sits for approximately 3.5 hours and stands for just over four hours on any given day.
If you are pregnant and regularly stand during your workday, you might what to think about how much standing is really necessary to perform your job duties. After all, it can be unsafe for pregnant women to stand for too long.
Pregnant women should limit physical exertion
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, work-related physical demands can be dangerous for pregnant workers. In fact, each of the following might increase your risk of having pregnancy complications:
- Standing too much
- Lifting heavy objects
- Bending repeatedly
Limiting physical exertion at work can decrease your odds of having a pre-term delivery, miscarrying or suffering a muscular or skeletal injury. Still, you should talk to your obstetrician about the level of physical activity that is appropriate for each trimester of your pregnancy.
Employers should make reasonable accommodations
Workplace laws require most employers to make reasonable accommodations for their pregnant workers. For that reason, you might want to ask your employer for permission to sit during more of your workday. Indeed, permitting sitting is one of the more common reasonable accommodations employers make.
Ultimately, if your employer can reasonably accommodate your request to sit, you may be able to perform your job duties without unnecessarily risking your health or that of your unborn baby.
