Development of a Patient Monitoring System Using Wireless Devices: Ensuring Patient Safety and Reducing the Burden of Nursing

Introduction: The increase of female presence in the different productive sectors reinforces the importance of maternity protection.Working in the hospital sector challenges women's reproductive and productive roles.Material and Methods: This study conducts a narrative review on work and maternity in the hospital sector through peer-reviewed scientific articles and gray literature.Results: As a fundamental human right, maternity protection must include maternity leave before childbirth, health and employment protection, non-discrimination against pregnant and nursing women, and breastfeeding support.The health sector is an essential source of jobs for women.The occupational risks in hospital workplaces threaten sexual and reproductive health and increase congenital anomalies.Advanced maternal age has become common and increases the chances of negative impact on mother and fetus health.Medical leave is mainly for pregnancy complications and the risk-benefit during pregnancy for cases of high occupational exposure.Employment may be associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth.Adjustments in the workplace and greater work control by pregnant women can reduce risks and shorten sick leave during pregnancy.Furthermore, removing pregnant women from work can make them invisible as procreative, economic, and social agents, compromising social reproduction as a whole.Conclusions: Global labor and family policies must promote maternal and child health, in addition to women's complete fulfillment of their human and social reproductive roles.Studies are needed to expand the knowledge of work-maternity relationships.