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Summary
Both the male and female reproductive systems play a role in pregnancy. Problems with these systems can affect fertility and the ability to have children. Something that affects reproductive health is called a reproductive hazard. Examples include:
- Radiation
- Metals such as lead and mercury
- Chemicals such as pesticides
- Cigarettes
- Some viruses
- Alcohol
For men, a reproductive hazard can affect the sperm. For a woman, a reproductive hazard can cause different effects during pregnancy, depending on when she is exposed. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, it might cause a birth defect or a miscarriage. During the last 6 months of pregnancy, it could slow the growth of the fetus, affect the development of its brain, or cause premature labor.
Specifics
- Hair Treatments and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Mercury and Pregnancy (March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation)
- Methylmercury and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) Also in Spanish
- Paint and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) - PDF
- Pesticides and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure (Health Physics Society)
- Radiation and Pregnancy (March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation)
- X-Rays, Pregnancy and You (Food and Drug Administration)
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Maternal Exposure (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Male Reproductive Hazards (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Pregnancy Hazards (National Institutes of Health)