For many women, pregnancy does not mean stepping away from their careers. Millions continue working throughout pregnancy, balancing professional responsibilities with the physical and emotional changes that come with expecting a baby. However, new research has raised questions about whether certain physically demanding workplace tasks could affect pregnancy outcomes, particularly during the early stages.
A large study involving more than 800,000 pregnancies has found a possible association between physically demanding work activities — including repeated bending, long periods of standing and extensive walking — and an increased risk of miscarriage. While the findings have sparked discussion around workplace conditions for pregnant employees, experts stress that the research does not mean normal movement or everyday activity is unsafe during pregnancy.
Published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, the observational study analysed 803,829 pregnancies among 475,312 women in Denmark between 2004 and 2018. Researchers examined whether physical demands linked to certain jobs could influence pregnancy outcomes by using a pregnancy-specific workplace exposure assessment tool.
The study focused on three common workplace activities: forward bending, standing and walking. Researchers aimed to understand whether repeated physical strain during early pregnancy could be linked to miscarriage risk.
What the Study Found About Workplace Strain
The research found that certain workplace movements were associated with higher miscarriage risk, particularly when women experienced prolonged or repeated exposure.
Forward bending at a 30-degree angle showed the strongest association. Researchers found that every additional hour of exposure outside a normal working pattern was linked to a 36 per cent higher risk of miscarriage.
Walking during work was associated with an 18 per cent increased risk per additional hour, while standing showed a smaller increase of 3 per cent.
During the study period, approximately one in 10 pregnancies ended in miscarriage, with 81,307 pregnancy losses recorded among the women included in the research.
The researchers suggested several possible explanations for the findings, although they acknowledged that more investigation is needed. They said physically demanding workplace activities could potentially influence pregnancy through changes in blood flow to the placenta or hormonal regulation.
'Although the mechanisms are not completely understood, these occupational exposures may affect placental perfusion or hormonal regulation in ways that could increase the risk of miscarriage', the study stated.
However, the researchers also noted that other factors could have influenced the results, including smoking habits, health differences between individuals and periods when women were absent from work.
Experts Warn Against Unnecessary Fear
Despite the findings, medical experts have urged caution when interpreting the results.
Asma Khalil, professor of obstetrics and maternal medicine and consultant obstetrician at City St George's, University of London, said the study should not be viewed as evidence that normal activity during pregnancy is dangerous.
'The findings should not be interpreted as meaning that ordinary movement in early pregnancy is unsafe', Khalil said.
She explained that the research focused on occupational exposure, particularly repeated physical tasks carried out as part of a job, rather than everyday activities such as walking at home, gentle exercise or normal daily routines.
'The study relates to occupational patterns of exposure, particularly prolonged or repeated forward bending, rather than everyday activity', she added.
Experts also stressed that the findings show a possible link rather than proving that physically demanding work directly causes miscarriage.
Why Workplace Support Matters for Pregnant Women
The research has renewed conversations about how employers can better support pregnant workers, especially those in physically demanding roles.
Healthcare workers, retail employees, hospitality staff, warehouse workers and others who spend long periods standing or performing repetitive tasks may face different challenges compared with people in less physically demanding jobs.
The discussion surrounding the study is not about discouraging women from working during pregnancy. Instead, it highlights the importance of ensuring women have access to reasonable support when their roles become physically challenging.
Workplace adjustments, additional breaks, changes to duties and open conversations between employees and employers can help create safer working environments for pregnant women.
For many expectant mothers, continuing to work provides financial security, independence and a sense of normality. Ensuring workplaces recognise the needs of pregnant employees is therefore an important part of supporting women throughout their careers.
Understanding Miscarriage and Pregnancy Health
Miscarriage is a complex experience with many possible causes, and in many cases, the reason behind a pregnancy loss cannot be identified.
Researchers behind the study emphasised that their findings do not suggest that working while pregnant is unsafe. Instead, the research highlights areas that may require further investigation, particularly around repeated physical strain and occupational conditions.
For pregnant women, experts say the focus should remain on awareness rather than alarm. Anyone concerned about workplace demands during pregnancy should speak with their healthcare provider, who can offer advice based on their individual circumstances.
The study adds to a wider conversation about women's health, workplace equality and the need for environments that allow women to continue their careers while receiving the support they need.
As more women remain in the workforce throughout pregnancy, understanding how different job demands may affect health will be essential in creating workplaces that protect and empower mothers-to-be.
