Job loss in couples increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Job loss in couples increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
The Link Between Job Loss and Miscarriage or Stillbirth: Exploring the Connection and Potential Factors Involved
In a surprising new study, European researchers have discovered a potential link between job loss and an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. The study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, found that the risk of pregnancy loss doubled after a pregnant woman or her partner experienced unemployment. While further research is needed to establish causation, this study highlights an interesting correlation that raises important questions about the impact of job loss on pregnancy outcomes.
The study, led by Selin Köksal, a senior research officer at the University of Essex Institute for Social and Economic Research in England, analyzed data from a survey of 40,000 UK households conducted between 2009 and 2022. The researchers focused on more than 8,000 pregnancies with information on conception dates and outcomes. Of those pregnancies, 11.6% ended in miscarriage, although the actual number is likely higher due to early pregnancy loss, and 0.5% resulted in stillbirths.
Among the women affected by their own or their partner’s job loss, 23.5% miscarried and 0.7% experienced stillbirth. In contrast, among the women not affected by job loss, 10.4% miscarried and 0.5% had stillbirths. These findings suggest a possible association between unemployment and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
But what might explain this association? The study authors hypothesize that the reasons could be multifaceted. Stress, reduced access to prenatal care, and lifestyle changes are all potential factors contributing to this increased risk. Alessandro Di Nallo, co-author of the study and researcher at the Dondena Center for Research on Social Dynamics and Public Policy in Milan, Italy, noted that stress triggers physiological responses that release hormones known to increase the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. Additionally, the financial strain following job loss may limit access to prenatal care or result in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol consumption, smoking, or poor eating habits.
Understanding the underlying causes is crucial, as it can help inform strategies to mitigate the risk. Köksal emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about women’s legal rights in the workplace during pregnancy. She also highlights the significance of providing mental health support through the public health system for pregnant women, regardless of their job status.
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To combat the potential negative consequences of job loss on pregnancy outcomes, Köksal suggests policymakers consider extending job protections not only to pregnant women but also to workers whose partners are expecting. Additionally, increasing economic support for individuals and their partners who experience job loss could alleviate the financial stress that is known to contribute to personal distress and, ultimately, an increased risk of pregnancy loss.
It is important to note that this study found an association, and more research is needed to establish causality. The information collected in the survey relied on self-reporting, which may introduce biases, and there may be other factors correlated with both pregnancy loss and job loss that were not accounted for in the study. Furthermore, the findings of this study may not apply uniformly across different socioeconomic groups.
Nevertheless, this study sheds light on a compelling and underexplored area of research. Understanding the complex interplay between job loss and pregnancy outcomes can empower individuals, employers, and policymakers to implement measures that minimize the potential risks and support the well-being of expectant parents. By addressing the underlying causes and providing appropriate support, we can strive to create a society in which pregnancy outcomes are not compromised by the challenges of unemployment.
Sources
- Human Reproduction – Study published in the journal Human Reproduction
- U.S. Office of Women’s Health – Information on pregnancy loss.
