Prevent Heat Illness Among Pregnant Workers

Overview

• Pregnant workers are more likely to experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion

sooner than non-pregnant workers because it is harder for the body to cool 

down during pregnancy.

1

• Pregnant workers are also more likely to become dehydrated which is a

primary contributor to heat-related illness.

• Work in very hot environments or specific work situations may lead to an

increase in core (internal body) temperature which has been linked to adverse

pregnancy outcomes in some cases.2

• Pregnant workers should discuss their occupational exposures with their

medical providers in advance to determine if work accommodations or

restrictions are needed.

Workers often exposed to excess heat

• Outdoor workers, especially in agriculture, construction, landscaping and

waste collection

• Indoor workers without climate control (e.g., central A/C) during hot weather,

such as those employed in warehouses, or near radiant heat sources

• Manufacturing workers, such as those employed in metal fabrication, glass or

plastics manufacturing, and food processing

• Healthcare workers

• Cooks and dishwashers in commercial kitchens (e.g., restaurants)
Watch for signs of heat illness and act quickly

When in doubt, call 911. Symptoms of heat illness while pregnant can include 

but are not limited to:

Headache or nausea Weakness or 

dizziness

Heavy sweating or 

hot, dry skin 

Decreased 

urine output 

Elevated body

temperature

Increased 

Braxton Hicks 

contractions

or cramping 

Thirst 

When to call for help

Signs of a medical emergency:

• Abnormal thinking or behavior

• Slurred speech

• Seizures

• Fainting

• Hot, dry skin

• Blurred vision

What to do:

• Cool right away with water or ice

• Call 911 immediately

• Stay with others until help arrives

• If possible, move to shaded area
How to lower risk of heat illness

• Ease into hot work

environments

• Monitor work intensity

• Drink cool water

• Take rest breaks in shade

or cool areas

• Dress for the heat

• Eat water-rich foods

(e.g., fruits and vegetables)

• Watch out for each other

• Know and recognize the

symptoms of heat illness

Take action in response to signs and symptoms

• Give cool water to drink

• Remove unnecessary clothing

• Move to a cooler area and use a fan, if available

• Cool with water and ice

• Do not leave alone

• Seek urgent medical care if needed and follow-up with medical provider

after any symptoms or signs

• Work with employer and medical provider to prevent future heat stress
Sources

1. Heat – Reproductive Health

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/heat.html

2.Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-106/pdfs/2016-106.pdf

Know your rights

Federal law requires that workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related 

medical conditions be treated the same as other persons not so affected but 

similar in their ability or inability to work. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness 

Act (PWFA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires 

employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a worker’s known 

limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

The OSH Act prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee 

for exercising rights under, or as a result of actions that are required by, the 

standard. The employee who files a safety and health complaint, or exercises 

rights is also protected.

It is ultimately the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the workplace is safe 

and healthful for workers; however, to be effective, a heat illness prevention 

program needs the meaningful participation of workers and their representatives.

For more information on heat illness prevention, scan the QR code or visit 

osha.gov/heat.

For information on employment protections for pregnant workers, visit 

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/pregnant-nursing-employment-protections