# Impact of high-risk pregnancy on the work routine of pregnant women in Catalão, Brazil

## TL;DR

This study examines how high-risk pregnancies affect the work routines and emotional well-being of pregnant women in Catalão, Brazil.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the professional and emotional impacts of high-risk pregnancies on working women in a specific Brazilian context.

## Key findings

- 66.7% of the high-risk pregnant women were employed outside the home.
- 68.3% reported changes in their daily routine due to pregnancy.
- 38.1% experienced changes in their work routine, with 76.2% reporting emotional impacts.

## Abstract

Pregnancy is a period in a woman’s life characterized by expectations,
desires, and profound physical, emotional, and social changes. These
transformations require multiple adjustments, including in the professional
sphere, as pregnancy may limit women’s ability to perform their usual work
activities and affect their employment relationship.

To analyze the changes and impacts on the professional lives of high-risk
pregnant women in the city of Catalão, state of Goiás,
Brazil.

This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at the obstetrics
service of the Women’s Integrated Center in Catalão, Brazil.

Of the 123 high-risk pregnant women interviewed, 7 (5.7%) were between 13 and
17 years old, 54 (43.9%) were between 18 and 29 years old, 45 (36.6%) were
between 30 and 39 years old, and 17 (13.8%) were aged 40 years or older. A
total of 82 (66.7%) women were employed outside the home. Regarding the
changes experienced, 84 (68.3%) reported that pregnancy led to changes in
their daily routine, 32 (38.1%) reported changes in their work routine, and
64 (76.2%) stated that these changes caused emotional impacts.

Work and pregnancy directly influence women’s lives, with professional
activity often serving as a primary means of family support. However, in
high-risk pregnancies, psychological or physical factors frequently require
work leave. Moreover, as work is a source of personal fulfillment for many
women, such imposed changes can result in significant financial, emotional,
and social impacts.