Avoiding Potential Toxins in the Workplace

Shockingly little is understood about the factors that cause miscarriage and other types of pregnancy loss. Although there are some risk factors that predispose a woman to pregnancy loss, more often losses happen without explanation. However, for a small group of working women whose jobs involve exposure to certain chemicals, workplace precautions can lessen the likelihood of a pregnancy loss caused by chemical toxicity. 

Agents that cause harm to growing fetuses are called teratogens. Some teratogens are common – including smoking and alcohol. Certain prescription drugs, infectious diseases, and maternal health conditions also fall into the teratogen category because they can disrupt development of a growing baby. Chemical exposures are less common, but may impact mothers in certain professions, such as certain healthcare roles, manufacturing or laboratory settings, and more.  

Although chemical exposures should be taken seriously by everyone, it is important to know that pregnant women and developing fetuses are particularly susceptible to chemical exposure. The CDC explains a number of reasons that pregnant women are especially vulnerable: 

• Your metabolism changes during pregnancy, which affects how you absorb chemicals 

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) might not fit properly during pregnancy 

• A fetus is more likely to be impacted by smaller amounts of chemicals than an adult body 

If you are concerned that your lifestyle or job responsibilities might exposure you to teratogens, consider talking to your medical provider about exposure risk and potential accommodations. For some chemicals, wearing more extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) during pregnancy can provide adequate protection. For other types of workplace exposure, a pregnant mother may need to speak to her manager about a temporary shift in job duties.  

For more information about the specific chemicals that are linked to pregnancy complications, visit the CDC’s extensive resource related to reproductive health in the workplace.