#PowertotheBump Campaign and Resources for Young Pregnant Women and New Mothers

Dydd Mawrth Mawrth 28th, 2017

Research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) showed that more than one in five mothers under 25 years old experienced a negative impact on their health and stress levels whilst pregnant due to their experiences at work.

The #Powertothebump campaign was launched after the Commission’s research showed that young mothers are significantly more likely to experience pregnancy and maternity discrimination, with six times as many under 25 year olds than average reporting being dismissed from their jobs after they tell employers they are pregnant. The EHRC also found:

  • Twice as many mothers under 25 (15%) reported feeling under pressure to hand their notice in on becoming pregnant (7% average).

  • 1 in 10 mothers under 25 (10%) reported they left their employers as a result of health and safety risks not being resolved (4% average).

  • 22% of mothers who were under 25 reported experiencing a negative impact on their health and stress levels vs a 15% average

  • 15% of mothers under 25 were discouraged from attending antenatal appointments vs a 10% average

The full research findings are available here: Pregnancy and Maternity in the Workplace

Designed with young working mums in mind, the #Powertothebump campaign and aims to help young pregnant women and new mothers know their rights at work and have the confidence to use them, ultimately reducing pregnancy and maternity discrimination

FAQs for Employees

Find the answers to questions you may have about your rights at work throughout your pregnancy and maternity leave and when you return to work after maternity leave.

Ask the Midwife Video

Featuring Cathy Warwick CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, the ‘ask the midwife’ video provides advice to expectant mothers on issues including how to tell your employer you’re pregnant, your right to attend antenatal appointments, and how to reduce stress during pregnancy.

Questions answered in the video:

Q: I’m scared to tell my boss I’m pregnant! What should I do?

Q: I’m worried about being late for work or missing work for antenatal appointments. Should I not go?

Q: I’m really tired and I don’t get proper breaks. What should I do?

Q: I feel stressed all the time at work. What should I do?

Q: What’s it really like to give birth?

Top 5 Tips

Read about the EHRC’s Top 5 tips for pregnant mum’s at work:

Join the campaign!

Share video, test your knowledge in the employee quiz, tweet and post about your experiences online. Follow the conversation online at #Powertothebump

All the resources are available on the EHRC Website here: Power to the Bump