Workplaces have a role in dealing with pregnancy loss

Recognising pregnancy loss as a workplace issue and in working lives is essential, writes Professor Keelin O’Donoghue

Pregnancy loss affects around one in every four pregnancies, most often before 12 weeks of pregnancy. File photo

Pregnancy loss affects around one in every four pregnancies, most often before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy loss at any time can have physical impacts on the pregnant woman, and emotional and social impacts on the woman and her partner. 

It can happen at work and people can continue working while experiencing physical and/or emotional impacts. As most women of reproductive age are in paid employment, workplaces are an important context to consider in pregnancy loss experiences. As you read this, it is very likely that there is someone in your workplace who has had, or their partner has had, a pregnancy loss.