Mental and physical stress of pregnant women and work

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of working during gestation on pregnant women by evaluating their mental and physical stress. The subjects were 62 women during natural pregnancy with a singleton who were not in a state of illness. The survey was conducted by a Questionnaire to clarify their general background, daily activities, working status, mental stress (GHQ28) and measurement of antioxidant capacity (Potential Anti-Oxidant (PAO)) and oxidative stress urinary 8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine (8-OHdG) in early (12―16w) and late (32―36w) pregnancy. Of the 62 females (primigravida: 23, multigravida: 39), 41 (66.1%) worked in early pregnancy and 17 (27.4%) continued to work in late pregnancy, while the other, i.e. 24, discontinued working. Eight took maternal leave of absence and 16 resigned their jobs during the gestation period. The total GHQ28 scores fell significantly in late pregnancy compared with early pregnancy, mainly caused by the relief of Somatic Symptoms. In addition, urinary 8-OHdG lowered significantly in late pregnancy whereas PAO rose significantly. The reduction of physical stress was recognized in late pregnancy. The urinary 8-OHdG of working pregnant women was lower than non-working pregnant women in early pregnancy. The PAO levels were not changed by working status. GHQ28, PAO and urinary 8-OHdG were not significantly related with life activities, such as going up down, sleep, house-hold work and so on. Mental and physical stress caused by pregnancy was high in early pregnancy and decreased as pregnancy progressed. Working during pregnancy did not adversely influence mental and physical stress of pregnant women, while working in early pregnancy reduced physical stress levels. (JJOMT, 60: 45―54, 2012) ―Key words― Pregnancy, Working, Stress