The impact of workplace environment on anxiety in working pregnant women

Pregnancy involves significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes, which can become more challenging when combined with workplace demands. For working pregnant women, the nature of the workplace environment plays a crucial role in shaping stress and anxiety levels. This study examines the impact of workplace environmental factors such as extended working hours, poor ergonomic conditions, limited maternity-friendly policies, and psychosocial pressures on pregnancy-related stress. Using purposive sampling, 50 working pregnant women from urban areas were surveyed regarding their working conditions, perceived stress levels, physical discomforts, and coping experiences during pregnancy.The findings revealed that long working hours contributed to increased fatigue, reduced rest, and emotional strain. Poor ergonomic support, including uncomfortable seating, prolonged standing, lack of rest breaks, and unsuitable workstations, significantly heightened physical discomfort and stress. In addition, limited maternity-friendly policies and lack of workplace flexibility made women feel unsupported and pressured to maintain productivity during pregnancy. Psychosocial stressors such as role overload, inadequate supervisor support, and interpersonal conflicts further intensified anxiety levels. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and pregnancy-friendly workplaces with improved ergonomic arrangements and inclusive organizational policies to reduce stress, safeguard maternal mental health, and promote overall well-being during pregnancy.