Working during pregnancy: check-up leave, lighter duties and risky work

Rules can change; we describe the situation as of the date this article was prepared (October 2026). For many people, working during pregnancy is both a choice and a necessity. There are provisions that protect your safety and health, and we state clearly which ones are given with numbers and which are not.

Paid time for check-ups

Under the Regulation on Working Conditions of Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women, pregnant employees get paid time off for periodic check-ups throughout pregnancy, with no deduction from pay. The regulation does not specify the number of hours or days; in practice it is expected to cover your appointment time.

For female civil servants, the length and procedure of check-up leave could not be confirmed from an official source. We therefore give no numbers; ask your institution’s personnel unit and the current rules (the Public Personnel General Communiqué).

Lighter work with a doctor’s report

Under the Labour Law (No. 4857), with a doctor’s report a pregnant employee is assigned lighter work and her pay is not reduced. If your work pattern is tiring, requires long standing or does not feel right for you, you can talk to your doctor and ask them to reflect it in a report.

Risky work and night work

The regulation provides for a workplace risk assessment for pregnant and breastfeeding employees and for limits on heavy and hazardous work and certain working patterns. Because the scope, duration and exceptions of these limits vary by type of work, we give no detailed numbers or lists here. If you work with chemicals, heavy lifting, radiation or night shifts, for example, the safest course is to read the regulation and ask your occupational physician.

When you tell your employer about the pregnancy, you can ask for the risk assessment to be updated.

Points that are often confused

The right to paid time for check-up appointments is set out in the regulation for employees, with no deduction from pay. Moving to lighter work, however, needs a doctor’s report; your request alone is not enough. For civil servants, the length of check-up leave could not be confirmed, so you need to ask your institution. The scope of limits on risky work varies by job. The best answer to “is my job risky?” therefore comes from your occupational physician and safety specialist. Choosing a calm, written route when using your rights prevents misunderstandings later.

What you can do

1. You decide when to tell your employer or occupational physician about the pregnancy; if you work in a risky environment, telling them early can help.
2. Send your appointment dates and documents to your employer.
3. Note what bothers you: heavy lifting, long standing, chemicals, heat or noise.
4. Ask your doctor for a report for lighter duties if needed.
5. Keep correspondence and stay in touch with the occupational physician and safety specialist.
6. Politely ask for small adjustments such as rest breaks, water and a place to sit.

For your health

If at work you notice severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, a noticeable leak of fluid, a severe headache or blurred vision, a clear drop in baby movements or shortness of breath, stop working and contact your doctor or the hospital where you will give birth. In an emergency, call 112.

Where to check current rules

• resmigazete.gov.tr: the Regulation on Working Conditions of Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
• mevzuat.gov.tr: Law No. 4857 art. 74 and Law No. 657
• Your workplace’s occupational physician, safety specialist and HR
• For public employees, your institution’s personnel unit

This article is for general information; your doctor’s advice and your workplace’s current practice are what count for your case.