Research Plus

Pre-eclampsia risks at work

Pre-eclampsia is an important cause of maternal and infant illness and death. A population-based case-control study followed a random sample of women with singleton births over a three-year period. The following physical work factors during pregnancy were significant for pre-eclampsia: prolonged standing without walking; frequent climbing of stairs; and working longer than five consecutive days without a day off. Pushing or pulling objects or persons more than five times a day was significantly associated with gestational hypertension but not pre-eclampsia. A literature review reports generally low-quality evidence in previous studies.

Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment and Health 2007; 33(4): 304–317.  http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=1147

Tags evidence based practice pregnancy, menopause and reproductive health

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2007 (vol. 04/3) pp40