The impact of acute shift work during pregnancy on the physiological and psychological health of hospital nurses

Night-shift work is prevalent among healthcare workers and disrupt circadian rhythms, potentially influencing blood pressure (BP) regulation. Pregnancy itself causes significant BP fluctuations, and night shifts may exacerbate these changes, increasing the risk of hypertension disorders. However, studies on the impact of shift work on BP patterns in pregnancy in a free-living environment is currently lacking. We recruited 25 pregnant nurses in their second trimester, comprising 13 on day shifts (DS) and 12 on night shifts (NS), from eight urban hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Resting BP [systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP)] was assessed before and after shift work. Data were analyzed to compare pre- and postshift measurements between DS and NS workers using a linear mixed-effects model, with statistical significance set at <i>P</i> < 0.05. NS workers showed significantly higher post-shift DBP and MAP compared with DS workers (<i>P</i> < 0.001). In contrast, NS workers exhibited a significant postshift decrease in pulse pressure (PP) than the DS group (<i>P</i> < 0.001), indicating distinct acute hemodynamic responses to NS work. NS work in pregnant nurses is associated with acute elevations in DBP and MAP, along with a significant reduction in PP following the shift. These findings suggest that NS may trigger distinct hemodynamic stress responses during pregnancy, potentially increasing short-term cardiovascular load.<b>NEW & NOTEWORTHY</b> Night shift work in pregnant nurses is associated with acute elevations in diastolic and mean arterial pressure, along with a significant reduction in pulse pressure following the shift. These findings suggest that night shifts may trigger distinct hemodynamic stress responses during pregnancy, potentially increasing short-term cardiovascular load.