I have this friend at work. She's pregnant and she's still working, which is probably fine. But she's care staff, which involves lifting or helping to lift people. Some of these people are very heavy. She's told me that she's having cramping and back pain and that her doctor told her she should be off work or not lifting at the very least. She lied to her doctor and said she was doing desk work, which she's not. So I emailed our boss and let her know what was going on, just in a 'worried friend' tone. I told her I didn't want the girl getting in trouble, but that I'm worried about her and her baby.

The thing is, I'm not sure if I'm going to get myself or my friend in trouble by sending that message. I felt that I had to tell though, because I don't want her endangering her health or her baby's. I'm a natural worrier, especially when I consider someone a friend. I don't think I could have not sent the message though - if something did happen, I wouldn't forgive myself.

Should I have told? Should I not have?

i think you did the right thing. i know care workers so i know how physically strenous it can be. if she's in pain and getting cramps she could end up hurting not only herself and her baby but the person she's caring for as well, like if she dropped them because the pain was too much. maybe nothing will come of telling your boss, but then (god forbid) if something bad were to happen you wouldn't feel like you didn't try to prevent it.

You did the right thing but hopefully she doesn't get laid off / fired or in trouble. I don't know your friend so she might be mad a bit but hopefully she comes around and sees you only were concerned for her.

Definitely did the right thing as you aren't supposed to be doing heavy lifting while pregnant and if she's getting back pain and cramping because of it that's a bad sign.

@ Lisa Like you said, it's dangerous to stay in this job while being pregnant, not only the lifting part but even bending down and/or stretching too much can cause severe complications. Other risks like infections or potential accidents with needles / medication like chemotherapeutics do the rest. In my house pregnant co-workers are strictly bound to desk work and most of them drop out of their job and into maternity protection as soon as they now they're pregnant anyways. So, in my opinion you did the right thing and I hope that she's going to understand that and doesn't get mad at you.

saving the life of an unborn child is typically the right thing to do. I'd say you are in the clear.

Necro'd thread.