Associations Between Late-Night Shift Work and Perinatal Outcomes: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study Using JACSIS...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Occupational Health
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Shift work, particularly late-night shifts, is common among working women.
• Potential adverse effects of shift work on maternal and fetal health are a growing concern.
• Understanding specific perinatal risks associated with late-night shift work is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between late-night shift work and various perinatal outcomes in pregnant women.
• To examine factors related to the utilization of Maternal Health Management and Guidance Cards among shift-working mothers.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving pregnant women from two Japanese Internet surveys.
• Two groups were analyzed: late-night shift workers (626 cases) and non-late-night shift workers (6633 cases).
• Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between late-night shift work and adverse perinatal outcomes, and factors influencing card usage.

Main Results:

• The late-night shift group exhibited significantly higher rates of threatened miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), hospitalization for health problems, fetal health issues, and infectious diseases.
• No significant differences were observed in preterm birth, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, or birth weight between the groups.
• Among late-night shift workers, those using the Maternal Health Management and Guidance Card reported higher incidences of hyperemesis gravidarum, threatened miscarriage, and preterm labor.

Conclusions:

• Late-night shift work during pregnancy is potentially associated with an increased risk of perinatal complications.
• The Maternal Health Management and Guidance Card may serve as a supportive tool for pregnant women undertaking late-night shifts.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking late-night shift work to adverse perinatal outcomes and to optimize support strategies.