Shift work, long working hours and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Melick, Marjo van; Beukering, Monique van; Mol, Ben Willem J.; Frings‐Dresen, Monique H. W.; Hulshof, Carel

doi:10.1007/s00420-014-0934-9

Cited by 48 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Epidemiological studies show small increases in miscarriage (Zhu et al 2004a;Bonde et al 2013;Stocker et al 2014), preterm birth (Mozurkewich et al 2000;Bonzini et al 2011) and intrauterine growth restriction (Croteau et al 2006;Abeysena et al 2009) in women who report carrying out shift work during pregnancy, whereas other studies show no associations (Zhu et al 2004b; van Melick et al 2014;Strohmaier et al 2018). These effects may be underestimated as a result of the various types and frequencies of shift work undertaken, as well as the variable behavioural responses to identical schedules (Gamble et al 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…; van Melick et al . ), assessing the impact of shift work on pregnancy outcomes via epidemiological studies is difficult as a result of confounding factors and variable shift work schedules and types. Furthermore, effects of shift work on pregnancy outcomes cannot be tested directly because it is not possible to randomize women to shift work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Epidemiological studies demonstrate an association between shift work and an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (Croteau et al 2006;Lawson et al 2009;Bonzini et al 2011;Fernandez et al 2016). Although meta-analyses suggest that the risk is low van Melick et al 2014), assessing the impact of shift work on pregnancy outcomes via epidemiological studies is difficult as a result of confounding factors and variable shift work schedules and types. Furthermore, effects of shift work on pregnancy outcomes cannot be tested directly because it is not possible to randomize women to shift work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Simulated shift work disrupts maternal circadian rhythms and metabolism, and increases gestation length in sheep

Gatford

Kennaway

Liu

et al. 2019

The Journal of Physiology

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Key points Shift work impairs metabolic health, although its effects during pregnancy are not well understood We evaluated the effects of a simulated shift work protocol for one‐third, two‐thirds or all of pregnancy on maternal and pregnancy outcomes in sheep. Simulated shift work changed the timing of activity, disrupted hormonal and cellular rhythms, and impaired maternal glucose tolerance during early pregnancy. Gestation length was increased in twin pregnancies, whereas singleton lambs were lighter at a given gestational age if mothers were subjected to shift work conditions in the first one‐third of pregnancy. Exposure to rotating night and day shifts, even if only in early pregnancy, may adversely affect maternal metabolic and pregnancy outcomes. Abstract Shift workers are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity; however, the impact during pregnancy on maternal metabolism is unknown. Using a large animal model, we assessed the impact of simulated shift work (SSW) exposure during pregnancy on maternal circadian rhythms, glucose tolerance and pregnancy outcomes. Following mating, ewes were randomly allocated to a control photoperiod (CON 12 h light, 12 h dark) or to SSW, where the timing of light exposure and food presentation was reversed twice each week for one‐third, two‐thirds or all of pregnancy. Maternal behaviour followed SSW cycles with increased activity during light exposure and feeding. Melatonin rhythms resynchronized within 2 days of the photoperiod shift, whereas peripheral circadian rhythms were arrhythmic. SSW impaired glucose tolerance (+29%, P = 0.019) and increased glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (+32%, P = 0.018) in ewes with a singleton fetus in early but not late gestation. SSW exposure did not alter rates of miscarriage or stillbirth, although it extended gestation length in twin pregnancies (+2.4 days, P = 0.032). Relative to gestational age, birth weight was lower in singleton progeny of SSW than CON ewes (–476 g, P = 0.016). These results have implications for the large number of women currently engaged in shift work, and further studies are required to determine progeny health impacts.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Simulated shift work disrupts maternal circadian rhythms and metabolism, and increases gestation length in sheep

Gatford

Kennaway

Liu

et al. 2019

The Journal of Physiology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…In addition, systematic reviews have suggested that occupational PA such as trunk bend (>1 hour/day), prolonged standing (>4 hours/day), shifting work and heavy physical work, particularly in late pregnancy, may increase the risk of PTB1011121314. However, the associations of non-occupational PA, including leisure-time, domestic, and commuting PA, with the risk of PTB have not been systematically evaluated.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-occupational physical activity during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: a meta-analysis of observational and interventional studies

Wen

Xun

Chen

et al. 2017

Sci Rep

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A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between non-occupational physical activity (PA) during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth (PTB). By searching PubMed and EMBASE from inception to August 20, 2016, 25 observational studies (18 cohorts and 7 case-controls) and 12 interventional studies were identified. Comparing the highest to the lowest category of leisure-time PA during pregnancy, the pooled relative risk (RR) of PTB was 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.74–0.93] for cohort studies and 0.60 (95% CI = 0.43–0.84) for case-control studies. No overall significant association was found between domestic or commuting PA and the risk of PTB. In addition, PA intervention did not indicate significant beneficial effect on the risk of PTB. Evidence from the observational studies suggested that leisure-time, but not domestic or commuting, PA during pregnancy was inversely associated with the risk of PTB. The findings were not supported by small-scale and short-term interventional studies. Further research with objective measurement on leisure-time PA is warranted.

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“…In women with back pain, these restrictions may be necessary to avoid exacerbation. For women in extremely physically demanding jobs, a few studies show increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight but not preterm birth 18 ; and the evidence is not consistent. 3 In addition to potential for adverse obstetric outcomes, activity restriction may be recommended in women with physically demanding jobs to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and falls associated with physiologic changes of pregnancy such as increased load, change to the center of gravity, and ligament laxity.…”

Section: Box 1 Evidence-based Lifting Restrictionsmentioning

confidence: 98%

My Obstetrician Got Me Fired

Jackson

Gardner

Torres

et al. 2015

Obstetrics &Amp; Gynecology

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Prenatal care providers are frequently asked to provide employment notes for their patients requesting medical leave or changes to work duties. Writing employment notes correctly can help patients negotiate for and obtain medically indicated workplace accommodations, allowing them to continue to work and earn an income. However, a poorly written or poorly timed note can jeopardize a patient's employment and salary. This commentary provides an overview of pregnancy-related employment laws and guidance in writing work accommodations letters that allow pregnant women to keep their jobs while maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

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Shift work, long working hours and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by 48 publications

References 23 publications

Simulated shift work disrupts maternal circadian rhythms and metabolism, and increases gestation length in sheep

Simulated shift work disrupts maternal circadian rhythms and metabolism, and increases gestation length in sheep

Non-occupational physical activity during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: a meta-analysis of observational and interventional studies

My Obstetrician Got Me Fired

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