Pregnancy,work conditions and obstetric outcomes: Methodological issues and advice for further research

Abstract

The possible effects of work on women's health during pregnancy are frequently measured by looking at obstetric outcome. The relationship between working conditions and obstetric outcome is interesting but not straightforward. This paper briefly reviews some of the methodological issues that may influence the measurement of outcome, for example psychosocial factors, the nature of obstetric care, pre-existing treatment for infertility and epidemiology. In addition, the paper provides some suggestions for future research in the area of pregnancy and work.