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UK Wedding News

24/07/2015

1 In 10 Women 'Discouraged' From Antenatal Appointments

One in 10 women have reportedly said they have been discouraged from attending antenatal appointments by their employer.

The report, Pregnancy and maternity-related discrimination and disadvantage, also revealed that one in five women experienced harassment or negative comments in relation to their pregnancy, or flexible working from their employer/colleagues.

A further 9% said they had been treated badly by their employer upon their return to work, than they had been before they announced their pregnancy.

However, the government's report also found that 84% of employers said supporting pregnant women, as well as those on maternity leave, is in their organisation's interest. Some eight in 10 also agreed that pregnant women and those who return from maternity leave are committed to their work.

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Two-thirds of employers didn't believe that pregnancy puts an unreasonable cost burden on the workplace, but of the 3,200 women surveyed, 11% said they had been dismissed from their job, made compulsorily redundant where others in their workplace were not, or treated so badly that they felt they had to leave their jobs.

Commenting on the findings, Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive, Royal College of Midwives, said: "It is very disturbing that the rates of discrimination against pregnant women are so high. Discrimination at work can cause stress, anxiety and depression, which can potentially have an impact on the health of the woman and her baby.

"Women who miss antenatal appointments miss out on essential screening tests and valuable advice around smoking and nutrition. Evidence shows that missing antenatal appointments can increase the risk of smaller babies, premature babies, miscarriages and stillbirth. This is particularly important for women with complex health needs.

"Government must act to ensure pregnant women are not denied their rights and they are not discriminated against. This can lead to costly implications for the NHS but most importantly it can have potentially devastating effects on the health of the woman and her baby."

The full report can be read here.

(JP)

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"One in 10 women have reportedly said they have been discouraged from attending antenatal appointments by their employer."