A PROFISSIONAL DE SAÚDE GRÁVIDA E OS RISCOS OCUPACIONAIS – UMA REVISÃO NARRATIVA DA LITERATURA

Introduction: There is an increasing presence of pregnant women in the workplace worldwide. Pregnant women are exposed to various occupational risks and require specific guidance concerning legal protection, medical surveillance, and health promotion. Objective: To identify Portuguese legislation regarding the protection of pregnant workers and to present the main occupational risks associated with them, focusing on healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: A narrative review of legislation and guidelines from national health authorities was conducted, supplemented by a search for articles in PubMed and SCOPUS using terms related to occupational risks and pregnancy in healthcare professionals. Results and Discussion: A legal framework was identified that protects pregnant workers from exposure to specific risks. The identified risks include chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial agents. The medical surveillance proposal assesses specific risks, collective and individual protection, and organizational adjustments. Conclusions: The legislation and proposed action provide a solid foundation for protecting the health and safety of pregnant workers. The need for further research into the effects of occupational exposure on human reproduction is emphasized, ensuring the protection of pregnant workers and their fitness for work.