Standing affects babies’ growth

Published on 28/06/2012 00:30

Standing for prolonged periods during pregnancy may curb the growth of the baby in the womb, research suggests.

Pregnant teachers, childcare workers and women who work in sales are among those whose babies are likely to have smaller heads when they are born – implying a slower growth rate.

The study, published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, examined 4,680 mothers-to-be from early pregnancy onwards.

The women were surveyed on their work conditions and the physical demands of their jobs. The progress of their babies was also monitored through ultrasound and birth measurements.

Just under two-fifths of the women spent a long time on their feet at work. These women were likely to have babies whose heads were an average of one centimetre smaller than the norm at birth.