Research Plus

Pregnancy, work and stress

A critical evidence review on the effects of psychosocial work characteristics on pregnancy outcomes (low birth weight, preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion) found only ‘modest’ associations – for example between work stress and adverse outcomes. Most of the 13 included studies were case–control or cross-sectional designs; just three were prospective studies. Data in most of the studies were thus subject to recall bias – ie women with adverse pregnancy outcomes may be more likely to report occupational exposures. ‘Job control’ appears to be more important than ‘job demand’, finds the study.

Women & Health 2011; 51: 279–297.

Tags evidence based practice pregnancy, menopause and reproductive health stress

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2011 (vol. 08/1) pp40