Understanding the Mental Health Burden of Pregnancy
While pregnancy is often romanticized as a joyous and fulfilling time, it can also present significant mental health challenges for women in the workplace. The emotional and physical load of pregnancy, combined with professional responsibilities, can lead to a breakdown in both personal and productive aspects within companies.
“Pregnancy is a very vulnerable stage for mental health, as emotions can become overwhelming. There may be distorted or catastrophic thoughts that exacerbate certain fears,” explains psychotherapist Ana Lilia Núñez Valle.
Ana Lilia Núñez Valle, a psychologist at the mental health program of insurance company Sofía, shares that due to the emotional and physical burden, pregnant women often perform less at work and tend to isolate themselves due to feelings of guilt, as they are expected to be happy while their emotions are overflowing.
Moreover, they face decreased concentration, feel overwhelmed by their environment, and require more time to complete tasks, according to psychologist Brenda Benítez.
“They start forgetting things in all aspects – social, individual; they easily explode or become very irritable. This is where they really need to seek help, especially if they have a history of depression or anxiety before pregnancy,” shares the perinatal psychology specialist.
Impact on Work Relationships
These circumstances affect work relationships for various reasons, such as the lack of openness to discuss emotions in the workplace, insensitivity, scarce support, and policies beyond those established in legislation.
How Does the Federal Labor Law Address Pregnancy at Work?
The Federal Labor Law (LFT) only provides physical protection for pregnant women: it guarantees their access to social security, rest, and prohibits dismissal due to this condition, considering it discrimination.
What about mental care? Article 170 only mentions that during pregnancy, no work will be performed that acts or alters the psychological and nervous state of the pregnant woman, but it does not foresee other circumstances; that is, it lacks attention protocols and does not oblige companies to implement policies for managing the psychological health of pregnant workers.
Although NOM-035 exists within its catalog of psychosocial risk factors, it does not recognize the effects of pregnancy, even though this stage is more likely to trigger anxiety disorders, sleep cycle alterations, and stress that inevitably affect team performance.
The Role of Companies in Mental Health Care for Pregnant Workers
Ana Lilia Núñez Valle reminds us that up to 30% of women experience anxiety or depression symptoms during pregnancy, and only 10-15% receive appropriate treatment because they find it difficult to ask for help and their environment does not encourage them to do so.
The Interamerican Psychology Society has a model for agile emotion management, recommending that companies offer, promote, and participate in activities and programs to prevent psychosocial risk, creating healthy work environments for pregnant workers.
Additionally, providing adequate salaries and recognizing professional progress, suggestions that align with Brenda Benítez’s advice: “We need to create an understanding and supportive environment so they can adapt; stress reduction workshops can promote self-care.”
Furthermore, strengthening support networks is advised, helping with tasks and encouraging memory exercises and keeping a to-do list or habit tracker to aid in remembering activities or tracking habits.
Meanwhile, Núñez Valle recommends that organizations promote awareness and education campaigns on maternity and lactation with a gender perspective, reminding pregnant women:
“Remember that you are doing your best; if you feel lonely or sad, talk to someone else, lean on your support network and don’t let it go unchecked.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the mental health challenges faced by pregnant women in the workplace? Pregnancy can lead to overwhelming emotions, distorted thoughts, decreased concentration, and feelings of isolation, impacting both personal well-being and productivity.
- How does the Federal Labor Law address mental health during pregnancy? The law primarily focuses on physical protection, ensuring access to social security and prohibiting dismissal due to pregnancy. It lacks specific mental health care protocols.
- What role can companies play in supporting pregnant employees’ mental health? Companies can offer programs promoting emotion management, provide adequate salaries and professional recognition, strengthen support networks, and create awareness campaigns on maternity and lactation.
- What percentage of pregnant women experience anxiety or depression symptoms? Up to 30% of pregnant women may experience anxiety or depression symptoms, but only 10-15% receive appropriate treatment.
