Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WOMEN who live high up in tower blocks appear twice as likely to miscarry during pregnancy than those who live on lower floors, according to a Japanese survey of more than 400 young women, writes Liz Hunt.
Overall, 1 in 10 of the group had suffered miscarriages. However, 1 in 5 of those living on the fifth floor or above had experienced a miscarriage compared to just under 9 per cent on the second, third and fourth floors, and 6 per cent on the ground and first floors.
The report in New Scientist says lack of exercise and the stress of living in a small space may be responsible for the higher miscarriage rates of the upper floors.
Fumio Osaka, of Tokyo University, who conducted the research, said: 'Women who live higher up just don't go out so often because it is too much trouble. That leads to a lack of exercise and a build-up of stress.' Excessive smoking or drinking among the higher-floor dwellers was not to blame, he added.
Mr Osaka has extended the study to include 1,000 women living in tower blocks. Preliminary findings followed the same trend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments