Women's work assessments, provider interactions, and discussions of work accommodations in pregnancy.

Abstract

More US women are working during pregnancy. We explore factors associated with obstetrical providers' assessment of pregnant women's work and necessary accommodations. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women from late 1st-3rd trimester. We explored self-reports of provider-initiated conversations on workplace accommodation and associated factors. Provider-patient communication about work during pregnancy varied by occupation, race, and medical history. Physically demanding occupations and Black race were associated with more discussions about job changes and safe work practices. Prior pregnancy complications and comorbidities increased the likelihood of work restrictions as did lower education level. Occupation often goes undiscussed during prenatal visits. Work restriction-related conversations occur more frequently with medically complex or demographically classified high-risk workers. Providers need more tools to make work safety determinations in pregnancy in often-high-volume clinical settings.