Pregnant women at work: rest periods to prevent preterm birth?
The aim of this study is to identify social preventive measures in an attempt to prevent pre-term birth in pregnant women who work under strenuous conditions. A study carried out in 50 factories allowed us to gather data on 1168 pregnancies that occurred during 1 year and to study the modifications in working conditions now granted to pregnant women in many firms in France. We observed a significant relationship between 'episodes of sick leave' prescribed especially for fatigue (without any pathological reason) and a lower preterm birth rate. The potential benefit of rest-periods, granted to pregnant women working in strenuous conditions, is discussed.
Mamelle
N
N
Unité de Recherches Epidémiologiques sur les Composantes physiques, psychologiques et sociales de la Santé, INSERM, Lyon, France.
Bertucat
I
I
Munoz
F
F
D000041:Absenteeism; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011247:Pregnancy; D012146:Rest; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014937:Work; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance