Study: Working long hours may lead to problems getting pregnant
MANILA, Philippines — Recent study by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School claims working long hours and regularly engaging in heavy lifting may impact women's ability to get pregnant.
According to Medical News Today, the study involved over 1,700 female nurse participants who were examined between 2010 and 2014, half of them were at least 33 years old. Overweight or obese women account for 44 percent of the study's participants while current or former smokers account for 22 percent. The women were given a questionnaire to fill out. Questions included their working hours, health status and attempts to get pregnant with six months interval.
Based on the profile, most of the women worked days or nights only, while 16 percent worked rotating shifts. More than 30 percent work for more than eight hours daily, while 40 percent said they lifted heavy loads up to five times each day. After a year of observation, 16 percent of the women in the study had not conceived.
Below are some findings:
- Those who were trying to get pregnant found that lifting 25-pound loads more than 15 times a day could extend the time of conception by about 50 percent.
- Compared with women who worked 21-40 hours each week, those who worked more than 40 hours weekly took around 20% longer to get pregnant.
- Heavy lifting and longer duration of pregnancy attempt was more prominent among women who were overweight or obese, the researchers report.
According to Dr. Anthony Marc Ancheta, a section chief of Reproductive Medicine, Infertility and Gynecologic Endoscopy, male factors and female factors each account for 30 percent of the reasons why a couple cannot conceive a live birth.
Causes of female infertility can be attributed to ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, pelvic adhesions, thyroid problems, cancer and other medical conditions.
The researchers controlled the data, accounting irregular menstruation to see if the result will be affected. However, those who regularly lifted or moved heavy loads still took around 33% longer to conceive.
Meanwhile, the researchers recommend couples who are trying to conceive to have a healthy lifestyle. Timed intercourse or knowing the best time to have an intercourse can increase the possibility of conceiving a baby.
