Work rules during pregnancy and breastfeeding: challenges and deficits

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Iran

10.22038/nnj.2025.82918.1460

Abstract

Background and Aims: The lack of awareness about pregnancy rights and the lack of written and legal instructions throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding will lead to the loss of the rights of working women. the current research aims to review and apply labor laws during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Iran.
Materials and Methods: The keywords used in this study were “pregnancy rights”, pregnancy and work, pregnancy rules in the workplace, maternity leave, occupational rules for high-risk pregnancies separately, and a combination of Them. Articles searched about international agreements and approved laws and guidelines in different countries in ILO, WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, PUB MED, Social Security Organization, Iranian Health Insurance, and Ministry of Welfare and Labor and Social Affairs databases.
Results: World Health Organization laws are in three parts: work safety during pregnancy, prenatal care, and maternity and breastfeeding leave. In most countries and Iran, women are entitled to maternity and breastfeeding leave with a full salary or a percentage of their salary. There are acts 75 and 77 of the Labor Law, heavy lifting for pregnant women and referral of women for lighter work at-risk conditions in pregnancy in Iran just for women are insured. there are no written guidelines throughout pregnancy.
Conclusion: Despite the existing laws in pregnancy and breastfeeding, there are not enough codified and specific laws related to occupational safety during pregnancy to guide pregnant women and health personnel, midwives, and professionals.

Keywords

References

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Navid No
Volume 27, Issue 91
December 2024
Pages 93-104

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