[Physical exertion at work and the course and outcome of pregnancy]

The authors present the latest data on the effect of physical load on pregnancy course and outcome, and they indicate that such as load may become a risk factor for preterm birth and low birth weight. The probability of pregnancy complications induced by great physical load is related to physiological changes occurring in the female body during pregnancy. Observations made in regard to physical load related with sport or recreation activities confirm such a likelihood. In the literature on the effect of occupation-related physical load on pregnancy course and outcome, the following factors are emphasised: intensity of physical activity (work), work pace, handling heavy objects, body position during work performance, time spent in standing position, and daily or weekly distribution of working time. The study results indicate evidently negative effect of occupation-related physical load only in the case low living standards experienced by pregnant women. The results of the studies carried out in Poland showed that high occupation burden is an independent risk factor or preterm birth and hypotrophia. Therefore, according to current regulations concerning job restrictions for pregnant women only light work and standing position limited to three hours during shift are permissible, whereas forced body position and forced work pace (e.g. at production belt) are forbidden. In the discussion, the authors compare the legal regulations binding in our country with the European Union's legislation on the protection of pregnant women against harmful factors occurring in the work environment. Attention is also turned to the need for bringing our legal regulations closer to solutions adopted by the European Union, especially in the case of lack of jobs in a given enterprise which could be performed by pregnant women.