Falls in workers during pregnancy: risk factors, job hazards, and high risk occupations.

BACKGROUND

Although falls are a major source of trauma during pregnancy and 70% of pregnant women are employed, information on falls among pregnant workers is lacking. Study objectives were to estimate fall prevalence and risk factors among pregnant workers.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used birth certificates to identify recently pregnant women. Data were collected via phone, internet, and mail surveys. The primary outcome investigated was a fall at work during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 2,847 employed women, 26.6% (757) fell during their pregnancy and 6.3% (179) fell at work. Walking on slippery floors, hurrying, or carrying an object occurred in 66.3% of work falls.

CONCLUSION

The service and teaching industry should be evaluated for risk reduction. Future research should determine if counseling during pregnancy will reduce falls in the workplace.