Working night shifts during pregnancy may have consequences for a child's development. According to a study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, children of mothers who worked night shifts during their pregnancy have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders detected before the age of four.
To reach these conclusions, researchers analyzed the work and sleep habits of several thousand pregnant women before assessing their children's abilities in various areas, including communication, motor skills, and social skills.
The results reveal an increased risk of difficulties in communication (+29%), fine motor skills (+34%), and personal and social interactions (+31%) in children exposed to maternal night shifts during pregnancy. Conversely, stopping night shift work appears to mitigate these effects, although a slight increase in risk persists for fine motor skills.
Scientists suggest several possible explanations, including disruptions to the biological rhythm and sleep patterns, as well as a possible inflammatory state in the mother that could influence fetal brain development. The study also highlights that the duration of maternal sleep could modulate the extent of these risks.
 Sophie de Duiéry
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12/11/2026 | 
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