You can continue working normally until your maternity leave begins unless:
- you have complications, such as high blood pressure or placenta praevia
- your workplace is hazardous
- your doctor advises against working
Workplace hazards
If you think your work or workplace may be hazardous, tell your employer and GP as soon as you know you are pregnant.
Workplace hazards you may need to avoid while pregnant - hsa.ie
Your employer’s obligations
Your employer must do a risk assessment of your role. This is to see if there are any hazards for you or your baby.
In some cases, there are risks at work that are impossible to avoid.
If this is the case, your employer must adjust your working conditions or your hours. If this is not possible they must give you other work.
If your employer cannot find suitable work for you to do, they must grant you health and safety leave.
Benefits and entitlements when you have a baby
Work hours
Working more than 40 hours per week is not recommended, especially in your third trimester.
Night shifts
If you are pregnant and have to work night shifts, talk to your GP, midwife, obstetrician or occupational health nurse.
If your GP or obstetrician gives you a medical certificate to say night work may be damaging to your health, your employer must find daytime work for you.
If this is not possible, your employer must give you paid leave. This could be health and safety leave with benefit or extended maternity leave.
Health and safety benefit - citizensinformation.ie
Time off work while pregnant
You are entitled to take paid time off work to attend antenatal appointments and some antenatal classes.
Fathers can also take paid time off to attend the last 2 antenatal classes before your baby is born.
