Pregnancy is not an illness; however certain work activities may involve risks to pregnant women.  Therefore if you have an employee who is pregnant or who has returned to work after having a baby, then as the employer you must carry out an expectant and new mothers risk assessment.

Although pregnancy is not regarded as ill health, there may be risks associated with certain work activities. In addition, some mothers may wish to return to work while still breast feeding.

If an employee has advised you that they are pregnant or they have returned to work following a pregnancy and are still breast feeding then you have a duty to carry out a risk assessment to ensure that the duties carried out by the pregnant employee do not jeopardise the health and safety of the employee or their baby.