The factor that increases a woman’s risk of having a premature baby by more than 60 per cent

More than eight percent of Australian babies are born premature  — defined as before 37 weeks.

New research by Monash University reveals pregnant women who work long hours and do rotating shifts are at a higher risk of having a premature baby.

The research, which collected information from 37 studies across 21 countries, including Australia, found shift work raised a woman’s risk by 63 per cent.

Press PLAY to hear Professor Collie explains the the relation between shift work and pregnancy 

“We think it’s important for employers in particular to be aware of this because most of these features of people’s jobs can be modified,” Monash University’s Professor Alex Collie told Ross and Russel.