Economic impact of resignation due to miscarriage: A survey of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and pregnant women in Japan

Abstract

Sporadic early miscarriages occur primarily due to embryonic aneuploidy. There is no evidence showing that stress is a direct cause of miscarriage. Yet, despite this, a national US survey and a Japanese survey found that many people mistakenly attributed miscarriage to the mental state or behavior of the women. Our present survey examined the risk factors and economic impact of resignation associated with miscarriage and pregnancy in Japan.

The questionnaire to be completed consisted of 17 questions concerning individual characteristics and resignation from the workforce.

Of the 1177 women, 392 left their employment and 785 continued working. At least 9 % of the women left their jobs because of miscarriage. The economic loss because of resignation due to miscarriage was found to be JPY 46,666,959,300 per year (USD 303,032,203). The number of children, exposure to in vitro fertilization and living with or near their father-in-law were independent risk factors for resignation. Significantly more women who left work in the first pregnancy due to miscarriage and infertility treatment remained unemployed. Thoughts that led to the conclusion that it is better to avoid working during pregnancy, that it is better not to do any work that places a heavy burden on the body, or that it is better not to work long or irregular hours during pregnancy were also independent risk factors for resignation. Significantly more women who lived with or near their mothers remained employed. Reproductive education is needed to prevent resignation following a miscarriage or during a pregnancy.