[217] - Maternal Shift Work - The Hidden Health Risks for Mothers and Babies

Text me what you thought of the show 😊Unravel the critical ties between maternal shift work and the significant health challenges faced by mothers and their unborn children. As a certified nutritionist and veteran shift worker, I, Roger Sutherland, offer an eye-opening exploration into the hidden risks associated with rotating night or extended shifts during pregnancy. Backed by groundbreaking research, including a study released just two days before this recording, we expose how disrupted circadian rhythms during pregnancy can lead to severe complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Discover why these aren't just abstract medical terms, but real concerns with life-altering consequences.Join this vital conversation as we uncover the cascading effects of shift work on both the expectant mother and the growing fetus. From chronic stress to preterm birth, these impacts can stretch into long-term cardiovascular issues for the child, shaping their future health. We discuss the role of workplaces in creating healthier environments for pregnant shift workers and present evidence-based strategies to safeguard their well-being. Whether you're a shift worker, an employer, or someone concerned about workplace health, this episode offers essential insights and actionable strategies to promote a safer, healthier future for mothers and their babies.REFERENCES:Cai C, Vandermeer B, Khurana R, et al. The impact of occupational shift work and working hours during pregnancy on health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;221(6):563-576. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.06.051Wallace DA, Reid K, Grobman WA, et al. Associations between evening shift work, irregular sleep timing, and gestational diabetes in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b). Sleep. 2023;46(4):zsac297. doi:10.1093/sleep/zsac297Support the show----------------------------Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Champions™ Framework.Shift Work Champions™: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capabilityWebsite: https://ahealthyshift.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherlandInstagram: @a_healthy_shift___________________Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional.  Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death._______________________