Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of profession related long-standing behavior during preconception and progestation, and to probe the relationship between prolonged standing jobs and the common pregnancy related complications among pregnant women, in Ma' anshan city,Anhui province.
Methods: In this cohort study, subjects who had their first antenatal examination at Ma' anshan Maternal and Child Care Centers were recruited under informed consent, from October 2008 to October 2010. All the information were collected through questionnaires in the first, second and third trimesters respectively. Three questionnaires were filled in by subjects under the guidance of healthcare takers.
Results: In the study, the 75(th) percentile of prolonged-standing times were 4.0 h/d and 3.0 h/d respectively in preconception and progestation. The characteristics of pregnant women with low social/economic status, prone to be involved in stand-long occupation. Results in logistic regression analysis, prolonged-standing jobs during preconception was the risk factor of pregnancy-induced hypertension and severe anemia. The adjusted odds ratios were 2.05 (95%CI:1.26-3.31) and 1.38(95%CI:1.03-1.85)respectively.
Conclusion: Prolonged standing jobs appeared to be common occupational exposure to and risks of both pregnant woman and their fetus. Exposure to these kinds of jobs during preconception could increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and severe anemia. In order to promote maternal health programs, all the related occupational risk factors should be valued and avoided during preconception and pregnancy.