Changes in sick leave rates and the use of pregnancy-associated social benefits among pregnant Swedish women: an outcomes study.

ABSTRACT We attempted to determine if an amended social security system has lessened the rate of sickness absence during pregnancy in Sweden over the period 1978–1989. We studied the records of 3998 women who gave birth in 1978, 1986, 1988, and 1989 at the University Hospital in Linkoping and the Varnamo County Hospital. Retrospective collection of all data concerning the rates and durations of sickness absence during pregnancy, drawing of parental benefit, and use of granted pregnancy benefit was performed from Sweden's standardized social security files. Obstetric variables concerning the course and outcome of pregnancy and delivery, as well as the health status of the newborns, were obtained from standardized and antenatal care and delivery files. Between 1978 and 1989, the rate of sickness absenteeism during pregnancy increased by almost 100% for periods of absence not supported by a doctor's certificate and by about 50% for those with a doctor's certificate. During the same time, the average number o...