Association between spontaneous abortion and ergonomic factors. A literature review of the epidemiologic evidence.

This article presents a literature review of seven epidemiologic studies which address the issue of spontaneous abortion and ergonomic factors. The following four ergonomic factors are analyzed: (i) shift work, (ii) piece work, (iii) posture, (iv) heavy lifting and physical effort. Among these factors, the last, heavy lifting and physical effort, is the only one that seems to be associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion.