The government has worked to support women's work-life balance after giving birth via such measures as preparing day-care facilities, but with regard to pregnant working women, the onus of support is on themselves or their employers.
This situation stems from the fact that the issue is not taken seriously. Long working hours and workplace stress are said to be detrimental to both expectant mothers and unborn babies, but some people have dismissed such concerns, saying the impact differs depending on the person.
Nevertheless, many women are worried about balancing work and pregnancy. It is significant that a survey is being conducted focusing on the work styles of pregnant women.
A woman in her 40s living in the greater Tokyo area used to work as a cook but quit after two miscarriages. "It was hard to do work that often uses cold water while standing continuously," she said. Another woman said, "I never want to get pregnant."
There is room to review the current system to protect working pregnant women.
For example, a provision in the Labor Standards Law stipulating that prenatal leave can be taken from six weeks prior to giving birth, or later, has been unchanged for about 70 years.
Japan Women's University Prof. Machiko Osawa said, "We need to review [the current system] to allow women to work in diverse ways by promoting such measures as teleworking and prenatal leave, in consideration of commuting times and workload, among other factors."
Many offices may be struggling to determine how much they should do on these issues.
After the results of the ongoing survey become available, work style reforms for pregnant women will also be required, with a view to further promoting women's advancement.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
