Much of what little we know about the impact of unemployment or health is based upon data or studies of predominantly unemployed men. These studies, though weak in methodology, imply that unemployment may lead to excess morbidity and mortality. This paper reports a study of 4,000 pregnant women in Brisbane. Unemployment amongst women is associated with high-risk health behaviour, which in turn may lead to low birthweight births. Further, unemployed women are more anxious and depressed than are employed women. The mental health of the mother appears to be more closely related to the employment status of her spouse than to her own employment status
