Employment as a therapist during pregnancy | Physiotherapy when pregnant?

Employment as a therapist during pregnancy

Employment during pregnancy is regulated by the Maternity Protection Act. The physical therapist should report her pregnancy to the employer so that appropriate protective measures can be taken for the growing child. 6 weeks before delivery and during the postpartum period (8 weeks after the birth of the child) there is a legal ban on employment.

In the period before the birth, the mother can waive the discharge, but she should be aware that especially when working as a physiotherapist, she will be exposed to heavy physical strain. The mobilization of patients, repositioning, transfers and also massages are demands on the body from which the pregnant woman should be protected. Handling chemicals such as disinfectants or medication (e.g. in iontophoresis or similar) should also be avoided during pregnancy. The Maternity Protection Act should be observed and followed. A medical ban on employment can also be issued.

What is prohibited during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the lifting of heavy loads should be prohibited and the handling of harmful chemicals should be avoided urgently. Night shifts, work on holidays or weekends, and overtime (more than 90 hours in two consecutive weeks) are prohibited by the Maternity Protection Act. During the period of 6 weeks before (exceptions if possible) and 8 weeks after the birth (mandatory) there is a ban on employment.

Also certain activities are forbidden, in which the pregnant woman is particularly challenged. These include activities in which the pregnant woman often has to bend or stretch strongly. Starting from the 5th month, the pregnant woman should not carry out activities where she has to stand for a long time. For certain requirements, such as supporting a patient, the pregnant woman should seek help.

Costs

Physiotherapy and physiotherapy during pregnancy is covered by health insurance if the reason for the prescription is related to the pregnancy. Physiotherapy due to other causes, which also existed before the pregnancy, or which cannot be connected to it, will be subsidized by the health insurance company as usual. All prescribed medication and measures related to the pregnancy are covered by the health insurance.

The pregnant woman is also exempt from co-payments. Massages or physiotherapy are also remedies and therefore fall under this regulation. The health insurance company also covers some birth preparation courses or at least subsidizes them.

However, this depends on the provider. The health insurance company should be consulted. The same applies to rehabilitation gymnastics and courses.