Abstract
Objectives
The influence a job—including its physical and psychological aspects—has on pregnant woman's chances of delivering prematurely.
Methods
Seven hundred and seven women who had given birth participated. Statements regarding her job and its stresses were obtained with a standardised questionnaire.
Results
Two hundred and thirty-seven of the 707 women delivered prematurely (<37 weeks), 471 at term. No increased incidence of premature deliveries was observed in working mothers or found in relation to physical stress. A link was observed due to a mother's dissatisfaction with her job (p<0.001).
Conclusion
With changes in the workplace and adherence to laws protecting pregnant women, effective factors are in place that help prevent premature births. A prerequisite for this is the pregnant woman's contentment with her work.
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Henrich, W., Schmider, A., Fuchs, I. et al. The effects of working conditions and antenatal leave for the risk of premature birth in Berlin. Arch Gynecol Obstet 269, 37–39 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-003-0487-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-003-0487-8