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Longer work hours results in birth of shorter babies

Although modern insight says that pregnant women should move around a lot for a healthy and uncomplicated delivery, a latest study has revealed that women, who work for more than 25 hours a week during pregnancy, could have smaller babies.

According to the research results, babies of such mothers weigh up to half a pound (200g) less than the average birth weight.

Also, scientists found that women who spend more time standing for professions like teaching, are likelier to have smaller babies when compared to those who dint spend a lot of time on their feet.  The possible explanation for the same has been given by the researchers as, perhaps, the work that demands more physical activity such as standing or moving around, reduces the blood flow to the placenta, preventing ample nutrients and oxygen reaching the fetus.

It is unclear as to why a less physically demanding work such as sitting in the office may have a similar effect, but experts say that it could be due to stress.

Although the size of babies are not associated with them being unhealthy, researchers say that they could be more prone to breathing problems, heart defects and conditions affecting their digestion. There is also evidence that they could have difficulties in learning and could face developmental problems later in life.

For the research, scientists surveyed 4,680 expectant mothers, who were 30 weeks pregnant.

The women were quizzed on their number of working hours per week and if they 'often' spent long periods on their feet.

The results revealed that those working more than 25 hours a week subsequently had babies weighing 5-7oz (148-198g) less than average. The circumference around the heads was nearly half an inch (1cm) shorter, reported Mail Online.

The results were similar for both the groups. The one that spent more time standing and the one that did not.  

Comfortable environment must

Study authors said that pregnant women should be given an environment as comfortable as possible to work.

"Optimizing the work environment is important since participation of women in the reproductive age in the workforce continues to increase. Preventive measures reducing certain occupational conditions, such as shift work, night hours, standing, lifting and noise, have proven to reduce the risks of adverse birth outcomes," they said.

 "The observed effects are not big enough to dramatically increase the number of growth-restricted babies, but it is not known whether these very subtle changes in growth trajectory have any significance in the long term," Dr Jenny Myers, from Manchester University's Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre was quoted as saying by Mail Online.

"We were not surprised that (the babies') head size was smaller in pregnant women who stand for a long time at work, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was only by a modest amount - three per cent smaller than average at birth," Prof Alex Burdorf, the lead author said.

The study from University Medical Centre in Rotterdam in the Netherlands was published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.