That is the conclusion reached by researchers from the University of Adelaide and the Medical and Health Research Institute of South Australia.
In their study, published in the journal 'The Journal of Physiology', not only was observed an increased risk of reduced fetal growth when the mother has a shift job, but also a longer pregnancy
In Babies and more Delayed intrauterine growth: what consequences does it have for the baby to grow less than normal in pregnancyHow do shifts affect and why?
Scientists explain that rotary work interferes with normal patterns of sleep activity, meal times and exposure to light.
In fact, it had already been shown that there is an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes among shift workers, but it is the first time that its effects are studied during pregnancy.
In Babies and more Working at night, even in shifts, is a risk for pregnant and nursing mothers, according to the European Court of Justice Now it has been proven that rotary work can affect glucose tolerance of mothers at the beginning of pregnancy and that, in addition, can alter maternal circadian rhythms and metabolism.
A reduction in fetal growth was also observed in single pregnancies and longer gestations in mothers with twins.
These consequences appear even in cases where mothers left this type of work at three months of pregnancy. For that reason, experts believe that working shifts is always harmful for the mother's pregnancy and metabolism.
What did the study consist of?
The researchers analyzed work patterns per shift in groups of sheep. They measured maternal circadian rhythms and glucose control at the beginning and end of pregnancy, and weighed all lambs at the time of delivery.
Exposure to a work model by rotating shifts impaired glucose tolerance in sheep during early pregnancy. The same goes for pregnant women.
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