WORK RELATED RISK FACTORS AND PREGNANCY OUTCOME BETWEEN WORKING WOMEN

Abstract

Introduction: The employment rate of mothers has increased worldwide in recent years. So, there is concern about possible effects of work related risk factors and pregnancy outcome among working women. Aim of Work: To study the relation between work related risk factors and some adverse pregnancy outcome among a representative sample of pregnant women attending the antenatal care clinic at Beni-Suef university hospital in Egypt. Materials and Methods: 500 pregnant women who were visiting the antenatal care clinic at Beni-suef university hospital were our target group. They were interviewed using predesigned questionnaire including physical activity questionnaire, Job Stress Questionnaire, Workplace Stress Survey. Body mass index (BMI) is measured. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS version 21. Results: Among studied socio-demographic factors, age and educational level and body mass index were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Perinatal death was significantly higher among working women (odds ratio = 1.9, CI= 101-3.8). Among studied working conditions, working more than 40 hours/ week was significantly associated with high rate of preterm delivery and small gestational age (SGA) increase significantly with high work stress. Conclusion: Among the studied work conditions for working women, working more than 40 hours/ week and social stress index were found to be a significant risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Other factors as shift work, work categories, and physical activity score showed no significant association with pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, as long as the health of pregnant women permits her to continue work during pregnancy that is not stressful or overloading for her, no adverse effect on pregnancy outcomes is expected.