The Study of Impact of Employment on Gestational Age and Weight of Newborn

Background and purpose:Women’s health, as almost “half of the population of each society” and in recent years as “half of the workforce,” is of particular importance in achieving sustainable development goals. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between birth weight and gestational age and mother’s employment. Materials and Methods:This descriptive analytic study was implemented among 390 cases (180 employees and 210 housewives) from pregnant women referred to Imam Ali Hospital in Amol, Mazandaran, Iran. Sampling was done by available methods, and data collection was conducted using a researcher made form appropriate to the purpose of the study. After collecting demographic and birth characteristics information (gestational age and birth weight), the results were analyzed using chi-square and t-test. Results:The mean birth weight in the case (employed mothers) and control groups was 3262.5 ± 506.3 and 3369.1 ± 450.8 g, respectively; in case group was significantly lower than control group (P = 0.029). This difference was not observed in gestational age between the two groups with mean age38.8 ± 1.7 in unemployed mothers and 38.5 ± 2.0 weeks in employed mothers. Conclusion:Women’s employment during pregnancy is associated with some consequences such as effects on birth weight. Given the important role of the birth weight in the health and survival of babies, establishing greater co-ordination between the job and conditions of a pregnant woman will be effective on the health of the mother and baby.