[The effects of carrying and moving heavy loads on female reproductive system and maternal function].

ABSTRACT

This study attempt, to evaluate the remote effects of carrying and moving heavy loads on the reproductive system and maternal function of female workers. 364 married women employed in various types of occupation involving carrying and moving different weights were subjects inducted in this study. The workers were divided into light load group (less than 20 kg) and heavy load group (greater than 20 kg) according to weight carried by workers at each time. 267 married sales women who worked in standing posture and 183 married art and craft factory workers who worked in sitting posture were selected as control. Histories of menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth among the workers were recorded. The results showed that no significant difference of prevalence of disturbances of menstruation between weight carrying and control groups was found. However, there was a tendency to increasing of prevalence of pelvic infection with the weight carrying group, by gynecological examination. The incidence of premature birth in the heavy load group (7.0%) was higher than that of the light load group (3.4%) as well as that of the art workers, but they are not statistically significant. The position of uterine cervix was lower in the heavy load group by measuring the distances of cervix to edge of vaginal membrane.