Standing long hours affects babies' growth

London: Pregnant women who work more than 25 hours a week and those who stand "often" in jobs more likely to have smaller children, a study has found.They weigh up to half a pound (200g) less than average at birth.One explanation is that more physically demanding work may reduce the flow of blood to the placenta, limiting the amount of nutrients and oxygen going to the foetus.[caption id="attachment_360680" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Reuters"][/caption]Experts do not know why working long hours in an office job would have a similar effect, but it may be due to stress, Daily Mail reported Thursday.Although smaller babies are not necessarily unhealthier, they are at higher risk from breathing problems, heart defects and conditions affecting their digestion.There is also evidence that they are at higher risk of learning difficulties and developmental problems later on.The researchers from the University Medical Centre in Rotterdam in the Netherlands surveyed 4,680 expectant mothers, who were 30 weeks pregnant.IANS