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Shift work, nitrous oxide exposure and subfertility among Swedish midwives
G Ahlborg1, G Axelsson, L Bodin
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Regionsjukhuser, Sweden.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Shift work and high nitrous oxide exposure negatively impact fertility in midwives. Reduced fecundability ratios were observed in shift workers and those with frequent occupational exposure to nitrous oxide.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Occupational medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Shift work and nitrous oxide exposure are potential risks to reproductive health.
- Time to pregnancy (TTP) is a sensitive measure for assessing occupational exposure effects on fecundity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of shift work and nitrous oxide exposure on the fertility of Swedish midwives.
- To determine the relationship between working conditions and the time required to achieve pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 3985 midwives in Sweden.
- Data on menstrual cycles to achieve pregnancy and working conditions were collected from 84% of respondents.
- Fecundability ratios were calculated to assess the per cycle probability of pregnancy based on exposure categories.
Main Results:
- Shift work (two-shift, three-shift, or night shifts) was associated with reduced fertility in midwives.
- Fecundability ratios for shift workers ranged from 0.77 to 0.82 compared to day workers.
- High occupational exposure to nitrous oxide (over 30 deliveries/month) showed a reduced fecundability ratio of 0.64.
Conclusions:
- Shift work and frequent, high occupational exposure to nitrous oxide may adversely affect female fertility.
- These findings highlight potential reproductive risks for healthcare workers in demanding work environments.