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Physically demanding work and preterm delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
M D M van Beukering1, M J G J van Melick, B W Mol
1Department of Occupational Health and Safety Service, DNV GL, P.O. Box 9035, 6800 ET, Arnhem, The Netherlands, monique.vanbeukering@dnvgl.com.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 7, 2014
Summary
Physically demanding work during pregnancy increases preterm delivery (PTD) risk. Jobs with combined physical tasks pose the highest risk, though overall risk elevations are modest.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Pregnancy Outcomes
Background:
- Physically demanding work is a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Preterm delivery (PTD), defined as delivery before 37 weeks, is a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically assess the evidence linking physically demanding work to the risk of preterm delivery (PTD).
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted for observational and intervention studies from 1990 to 2012.
- Studies were evaluated for risk of bias, and data were pooled using a random-effects model.
- Results were analyzed separately for case-control and cohort studies.
Main Results:
- Standing/walking >3 hours/day was linked to increased PTD risk (OR 1.3).
- Lifting/carrying >5 kg or in the third trimester also increased PTD risk (OR 1.3).
- Jobs with physical effort/exertion (OR 1.4) or combined physical tasks/fatigue (OR 1.5) showed elevated PTD risks.
Conclusions:
- Physically demanding work during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery.
- Jobs involving a combination of physical tasks and effort present a particularly elevated risk.
- The observed risk elevations were generally small to moderate.
