A new study has found that frequent bending and prolonged walking at work during early pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. The research, conducted by scientists in Israel and published in the journal Human Reproduction, examined data from over 7,000 pregnant women to assess the impact of physical work demands on pregnancy outcomes.
The study found that women who spent long periods standing or walking at work during their first trimester had a modestly increased risk of miscarriage compared to those with predominantly sedentary jobs. Frequent bending — defined as bending over or crouching more than twice a day — was also associated with a higher risk, though the strength of the association varied depending on the specific work conditions.
Miscarriage affects about one in seven pregnancies, with established risk factors including advanced parental age, smoking, and certain medical conditions. The new research adds occupational physical demands to that list, though experts not involved in the study caution that the findings do not prove causation.
The researchers, from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, tracked 7,265 women from the beginning of their pregnancies through to delivery. They collected detailed information about work activities, including lifting, standing, walking, and bending. The women were divided into groups based on the physical demands of their jobs, and the researchers accounted for factors such as age, smoking status, and socioeconomic background.
Women who spent more than six hours a day standing at work had a 34 percent higher risk of miscarriage than those who spent less than three hours standing. Those who frequently bent over or crouched at work had a 24 percent higher risk. Prolonged walking was also linked to an increased risk, though the association was weaker.
The study authors say the findings suggest that workplace modifications may be warranted for pregnant employees, particularly in the first trimester. They recommend that employers consider adjustments such as providing seating, limiting heavy lifting, and allowing more frequent breaks.
However, medical experts not involved in the research urged caution. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a consultant obstetrician, said the study identifies an association but does not establish that workplace physical demands directly cause miscarriage. She noted that women with physically demanding jobs may also have other risk factors, such as higher stress levels or poorer access to prenatal care, that could contribute to the observed link.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the study contributes to existing evidence but emphasized that most women with physically demanding jobs have healthy pregnancies. The organization currently does not have specific guidelines restricting work activities during pregnancy, instead recommending individual assessments based on the woman's health and job role.
The study has some limitations, including that physical activity was self-reported by the participants, which could introduce recall bias. Additionally, the researchers did not have data on the specific tasks performed, such as whether bending was associated with lifting heavy objects or was part of routine movements.
The researchers say they plan to conduct further studies to better understand the biological mechanisms behind the observed associations and to determine whether certain types of physical activity pose greater risks than others. Until more is known, they advise pregnant women to discuss their work conditions with their healthcare providers.
The findings come at a time when an increasing number of women are continuing to work later into their pregnancies, and as employers face pressure to accommodate the needs of expectant mothers. The study's authors say their work highlights the need for greater awareness of occupational risk factors in early pregnancy.