Two-thirds of mums-to-be are frequently exposed to physical risk at work

Washington, Dec 18 (ANI): A new study has shown that almost two-thirds of expectant mothers believe they are frequently exposed to physical risk at workplace.

The findings revealed nearly 56pct of the women worked standing up or frequently lifted heavy objects during the course of their paid work while pregnant.

In addition, 63pct said they were subjected to workplace stress, and 62pct frequently experienced some physical risk - noise, high temperatures or humidity, vibrations, radiation and electromagnetic fields (data visualisation screens).

"Pregnant and breastfeeding women are especially sensitive to exposure to workplace hazards", M* Carmen Gonzalez, lead author of the study and a researcher at the Higher Centre for Public Health Research in Valencia, told SINC.

"Certain workplace pollutants and working conditions can have negative impacts on pregnancy and the development of the foetus", she added.

Almost 22pct women said they were exposed to some chemical agent, particularly cleaning products, and 6pct to biological risk factors, such as in jobs involving the care of others.

"This research could be useful for planning and prioritising the preventive actions necessary to protect the reproductive health of pregnant working women", said Gonzalez. (ANI)