I'm pregnant and work in care
Care work can involve heavy lifting, infections and long shifts. Once you tell your employer in writing that you're pregnant, they must check the risks and change your work if needed.
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Your rights
- A risk assessment of your work once you've told your employer in writing.
- Changes to your duties or hours if there's a risk, or suitable alternative work. If there's none, paid suspension.
- Paid time off for antenatal appointments.
- Protection from unfair treatment or dismissal because of pregnancy or maternity.
- Up to 52 weeks of maternity leave.
What to do next
- Tell your employer in writing, and keep a copy.
- Ask about moving and handling, infection risks, lone working and night shifts in particular.
- Ask for the changes in writing.
- Maternity Action and Acas give free advice.
Say this
“I'm letting you know in writing that I'm pregnant. Please carry out a risk assessment of my role.”
The law behind it (England)
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999Reg.16 new and expectant mothers
- Employment Rights Act 1996s.55 antenatal care, s.66–68 suspension on maternity grounds
- Equality Act 2010s.18 pregnancy discrimination
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- The same law applies in Scotland.
- Wales
- The same law applies in Wales.
- Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland has equivalent protections under its own employment law.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- Tell your boss you are pregnant, in writing.
- Your boss must check the risks of your job.
- They may need to change your work.
- You get paid time off for pregnancy appointments.
What you can do
- Ask about lifting, infections and night shifts.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.