PRECISE - Objective Measures and Observations of Physical Exposures Among Pregnant Employees in the Danish Workforce

Occupational physical activity during pregnancy may decrease blood supply to the uterus and be connected to negative pregnancy outcomes. Every year, this notion prompts many pregnant women to be absent from their workplace in order to protect themselves and their unborn children. However, little is known about the actual extent and impact of physical workloads among expecting mothers in Denmark and whether this high rate of pregnancy related absence is necessary. In consequence, current guidelines from the Danish Working Environment Agency have omitted former limits on lifting during pregnancy due to lack of evidence. (1) Former studies have mainly been based on self-reported data with no measurements of exposures. A comprehensive evaluation of physical exposures in Danish workplaces and potential consequences for pregnant women will provide a rational basis for organization of work with improved options for prevention of adverse health effects.By use of measurements, observations and real-time self-report, the overall aim of the project is to attain precise data on physical workloads (lifting, standing/walking and forward bending) among pregnant employees in the Danish workforce, and investigate how these relate to discomforts, complications and negative pregnancy outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:Working pregnant women who went to the first trimester scanning at four different hospitals en DenmarkExclusion Criteria:Pregnant women who do not work or do not speak danish