My Obstetrician Got Me Fired: How Work Notes Can Harm Pregnant Patients and What to Do About It

Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Aug;126(2):250-254. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000971.

Abstract

Prenatal care providers are frequently asked to provide employment notes for their patients requesting medical leave or changes to work duties. Writing employment notes correctly can help patients negotiate for and obtain medically indicated workplace accommodations, allowing them to continue to work and earn an income. However, a poorly written or poorly timed note can jeopardize a patient's employment and salary. This commentary provides an overview of pregnancy-related employment laws and guidance in writing work accommodations letters that allow pregnant women to keep their jobs while maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Documentation / standards*
  • Employment* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Employment* / psychology
  • Employment* / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Safety* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Patient Safety* / standards
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women / psychology*
  • Prenatal Care
  • Preventive Health Services / methods
  • Preventive Health Services / standards
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sick Leave / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • United States
  • Women's Health / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Workplace / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Workplace / psychology