Investigation of pregnancy complications for working women

SUMMARY Investigation of Pregnancy Complications for Working Women The aim of this study was to determine the differences of social and demographic characteristics, general health conditions, the story of previous pregnancies and outcome of pregnancy between 94 employed and 57 unemployed women during their pregnancy. The other aim was to determine the elements of fatigue in occupations which constituted possible risk factors for the course of pregnancy and fetus among 94 employed women. In 2003-2004, a total of 151 women in Afyon were interviewed about their way of life and occupational activities during pregnancy. The questionnaire consisted of 72 questions, asking in detail about personal data, family activities, occupational information, and modifications of activity during pregnancy. Concerning the data, Pearson chi-square (X2) test, Student t-Test, Odds Ratio, 95 % Confidence Interval and percentage ratios were used in some analyses. As a result of this study it was found that employment was associated with a more favourable social status: employed women had a higher educational level, they had less children and their husband were mode often skilled than unskilled workers. The general health conditions and the story of previous pregnancies were not differed significantly between employed and unemployed women. Among employed women, fatigue of three occupational groups was determined and it was shown that the health worker had a higher fatigue score than other groups. Keywords: Pregnant worker, pregnancy complications and occupational risks.