[Epidemiology of prematurity in working women]

Employment of the woman is of utmost importance among all the environmental factors, simultaneously influencing the development of pregnancy. It affects the individuality of the woman, before as well as during pregnancy, influences her social and material environment, thus contributing as well to the risk of prematurity in a positive or negative way. From 1970 onwards there is to observe a general adjustment of the prematurity rates of employed women and house-wives in GDR. In case of good health of the woman full employment and pregnancy are compatible in GDR. This is especially valid for hitherto childless women in full-time work. Furthermore the paper deals with the influences of marital harmony, parents' attitude towards their child, corporal frame and smoking habits of the rate of prematurity.