INCIDENCE OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND/OR PRETERM DELIVERIES AMONG WORKING PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Introduction: In Egypt, there is a rise in the percentage of working females. Working during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of preterm deliveries (PTD) and/ or low birth weight (LBW). Aim of Work: To estimate the incidence of low birth weight and preterm deliveries among working pregnant women and explore their associated factors at Minia University Hospital, Egypt. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single cohort study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Minia University Hospital. A total of 515 employed women admitted for delivery were subjected to face-to-face interview questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data, occupational, medical and obstetric history and also job stress Questionnaire was completed. Results: The incidence of mothers who delivered LBW and/or PTD was 39.2% .The significant independent obstetric and medical predictors of preterm deliveries and/ or low birth weight were personal or family history of LBW and/or PTD, normal delivery and pregnant mothers not suffering from any medical condition : {AOR (95% CI): 3.6 (1.9-6.8), 8.1 (4.6-14.2), 3.3 (2.0-5.6) and 3.2 (1.9-5.4), respectively}. The occupational predictors of preterm deliveries and/ or low birth weight were employed women in jobs requiring mental effort, in both (private and governmental sectors) for ≤ 4 years : AOR (95% CI:1.9 (1.1-3.0) , 3.4 (1.6-7.3) and 1.8 (1.2-2.6), respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of preterm deliveries and/ or low birth weight was 39.2%. The significant independent predictors of LBW and/or PTD were personal or family history of LBW and/or PTD , normal delivery, pregnant mothers not suffering from any medical condition and employed women in jobs requiring mental effort, in both (private and governmental)sectors for duration ≤ 4 years. Recommendations: Employed pregnant women should be covered by medical insurance system to receive adequate medical care during pregnancy.