Newborn Body Indices in Housewives and Working Mothers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare newborns anthropometric indices of housewives and employed women.
Materials and Methods: This case control study compared newborns’ anthropometric indices (weight, length, head circumference) and first minute APGAR between working women and housewives. Two hundred consecutive term pregnant women during active phase of labor without any pregnancy complications were evaluated. For each participant a questionnaire was filled by the researcher. Employed women according to their standing position during work time were divided into three groups: heavy, light and moderate jobs.  
Results: The mean weight, length and head circumference of the newborns were higher in employed women (p=0.018, p<0.001, p=0.010, respectively). After eliminating effect of the interfering variables by using a general linear model, it was observed that the mother’s job has a direct influence on newborn's length and head circumference. But infant's weight was similar in two groups (p=0.340). The newborn's anthropometric indices and first minute APGAR had not significant difference in subgroups of job difficulty.
Conclusion: Maternal job has a direct positive influence on newborn's length and head circumference. But infant's weight is not related to maternal job.