Active military service might increase a woman’s risk of having a low birth weight baby, said a new study published in BMJ Military Health. Researchers reviewed existing evidence on pregnancy outcomes for women in the military, highlighting the need for further dedicated research.
GROWING NUMBERS OF WOMEN SERVING
The increasing number of women serving in armed forces worldwide prompted this study. With countries like the UK aiming for 30% female representation and more women deployed in combat roles and challenging environments, understanding the impact of military service on pregnancy is crucial.
STRESS AND PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS
Mounting evidence links stress during pregnancy to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight. Military careers expose servicewomen to a range of physical, mental, and environmental stressors that could potentially affect pregnancy outcomes.
EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE
Researchers analyzed 21 studies involving over 650,000 women serving in the US military, published between 1979 and 2023. Ten studies included a comparison group, often wives of active service personnel.
KEY FINDINGS
- No clear evidence of increased risk of preterm birth among active servicewomen, but limitations exists due to methodological variations and small sample sizes in some studies.
- No observed association between branch of service and preterm birth risk.
- No clear evidence for an increased risk of stillbirth.
Significantly, nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the studies suggested a heightened risk of low birth weight babies for women on active service. This includes one study with a low risk of bias, and 4 out of 5 studies with comparison groups.
CHALLENGES AND NEXT STEPS
Many studies lacked a matched comparison group, relying on national data which may not account for differences in health profiles between military personnel and the general population.
- Limited data on factors like smoking, which can impact pregnancy health.
- The study focused solely on the US military, limiting generalizability to other countries.
- Researchers emphasize the need for further research:
- Focus on female service members across different armed forces.
- Investigate factors beyond the US military setting.
- Inform policies and strategies to support the well-being of mothers and babies in the military.
This study sheds light on potential risks for pregnant women in the military, particularly regarding low birth weight babies. Further research can help develop improved practices and policies to safeguard the health of both mothers and children within the military setting.