My Obstetrician Got Me Fired

Abstract

In Brief 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. Skillful writing of employment notes for pregnant patients helps them to avoid conflict with their employers, being forced out on leave too early, and employment termination.