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Ministry of Health

Support Healthy Pregnancies

Pregnant Woman

Did You Know?

Women make up almost half the B.C. workforce and 8 out of 10 women will become pregnant during their working years.

There were 40,000 births in B.C. last year and

  • 10% of women reported smoking during pregnancy
  • 60% of women had normal Body Mass Index measurements pre-pregnancy
  • 10% of babies were born pre-term and small for gestational age
  • 70% of women exclusively breastfed their babies

Supporting women and their partners to make healthy choices before, during and after pregnancy promote the health of mothers and babies.  Lifestyles that include healthy nutrition, participation in physical activity and are free of harmful alcohol, tobacco and substance use are especially important during pregnancy.

Healthy workplaces support healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding—increasing the chances pregnant employees continue to be productive during pregnancy and their return to work.


What Employers Can Do What Employees Can Do
  • Protect all workers from reproductive hazards and encourage pregnant employees to check the Material Safety Data Sheets for information on the potential hazards of working with chemical products.
  • Provide all workers with appropriate protective equipment and ensure good ventilation, safe temperatures and safe noise levels.
  • Provide flexible work hours for pregnant employees and accommodate medical appointments.
  • Schedule short breaks every 2 hours and provide a place where pregnant women can rest on their breaks.  Promote this space as a place that will support mothers to continue breastfeeding upon return to work.
  • If you provide employee parking, ask pregnant employees if they would like a space close to the worksite.
  • Ask pregnant employees if they would like a workstation that is close to the washroom.
  • Provide contact information for Nursing Services at HealthLinkBC: 8-1-1 (7-1-1 for hearing impaired).
  • Provide information and support on how to stop smoking through QuitNow.
  • Plan work-related social functions that are not alcohol-centred
  • Choose high-quality foods and beverages rich in the nutrients that pregnant women need-- vegetables and fruit, whole grain products, lower-fat milk and alternatives and lower-fat meat and alternatives.
  • If you drink alcohol, learn about pregnancy and alcohol use.  There is no known safe time or amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.
  • If you are a smoker, your pregnancy is a good opportunity to Quit. Go to QuitNow Services.
  • Take your breaks.  If you are desk-bound, get up and walk around as often as possible.
  • Avoid work situations that expose you to hazards, including extreme heat, poor ventilation, excessive noise, stress, and toxic materials
  • Work with your employer and direct supervisor to develop work arrangements that support your specific needs or possible limitations during your pregnancy.
  • Negotiate flexible work arrangements.
  • Learn how you and your developing baby can be healthiest. Visit HealthLinkBC.ca to search more than 4,000 health topics, check symptoms or find health services and resources close to where you live.
  • Call 8-1-1 (7-1-1 for hearing impaired) to speak to a registered nurse, dietitian or pharmacist at HealthLink BC.  
  • Email Dietitian Services at HealthLink BC for answers to your diet and nutrition-related questions.
  • Access Material Safety Data Sheets for information on the potential hazards of working with chemical products.
Resources
  • Baby’s Best Chance Parents’ Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care.
  • Women’s Guide to Pregnancy on the Job identifies the rights of working women who are pregnant and who plan to have children.
  • HealthLinkBC Files are easy-to-read fact sheets on public health and safety topics including child development, immunization, nutrition and health tips. All HealthLinkBC Files are available as downloadable documents in English, with most topics translated into other languages including Chinese, Farsi, French, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.