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Maternal Work and Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Multicenter Observational Study in Brazil
Mariana Buen1, Eliana Amaral1, Renato T Souza1
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
Scientific Reports
|June 18, 2020
Summary
Physical exertion from work or household chores may protect against spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). However, stopping work or working only until the seventh month of pregnancy increased sPTB risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a significant pregnancy complication influenced by various factors, including occupational activities.
- Understanding the impact of work characteristics on sPTB risk is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occupational activities and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
- To analyze how work characteristics and physical exertion influence sPTB outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the EMIP study, a Brazilian multicenter cross-sectional study.
- Inclusion of 1,280 singleton sPTB cases and 1,136 singleton term birth cases.
- Backward multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for cluster sampling design.
Main Results:
- Working during the 8th-9th months of pregnancy, prolonged standing, and household chores showed a protective effect against sPTB in bivariate analysis.
- Previous preterm birth, stopping work, and working until the 7th month were identified as risk factors in multivariate analysis.
- Physical exertion, particularly from household duties and later-term employment, may offer protection against sPTB, though reverse causality is possible.
Conclusions:
- Certain occupational activities and physical exertion may be associated with a reduced risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the protective effects of physical activity during pregnancy.
- Interventions should consider the potential benefits of moderate physical exertion in pregnancy, while addressing risks associated with stopping work prematurely.
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