Occupational Predictors of Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review of Literature

Low birth weight has always been considered as the single most important factor of infant's future chances of survival, healthy growth and mortality. Women employees require special attention and protection during their pregnancy, because of pregnancy may decrease their capacity to cope withmany condition of working environment. Hence, the major objective of the present review was to examine the characteristics of working environment which are associated to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery and low birth weight. Studies published since 1988 to 2014 were systematically reviewed, and analyzed. The specific risk factors which were the focus of this review were: occupational stress, occupational fatigue, long working hours, heavy lifting, prolonged standing and shift work during pregnancy. The review paper ended with implications, recommendations and concluding comments.