Pregnancy and the working woman: a review

The potential impact of employment on pregnancy is an important issue that merits assessment, given the increasing numbers of women entering the labor force and continuing employment throughout pregnancy. A review of the literature evaluating the effects of employment on pregnancy is presented, including a brief historical and legal perspective, as well as employment statistics in the USA. There is emerging evidence from various studies suggesting that long working hours and prolonged standing may place a pregnancy at risk. Thus, physicians need to counsel their patients about these potential risks and provide recommendations for early modification of employment activities, in order to have a positive impact on pregnancy outcome.