Environmental Exposures in Reproductive Health

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2019 Sep;46(3):455-468. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2019.04.005. Epub 2019 Jul 2.

Abstract

Our genetic makeup and environment interact. Evidence has emerged demonstrating preconception and prenatal exposure to toxic agents have a profound effect on reproductive health. We cannot change our genetics, but we can change our environment. Health providers can protect pregnancies from harmful exposures. Pregnancy is the most critical time-window for human development, when any toxic exposure can cause lasting damage to brain development. Reproductive care professionals can provide useful information to patients and refer patients to appropriate specialists when hazardous exposure is identified. Clinical experience and expertise in communicating risks of treatment are transferable to environmental health.

Keywords: Air pollution; BPA; Environmental health; Pesticides; Reproductive health; Toxic exposures; Women’s health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Counseling
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fetal Development / drug effects*
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Lead / toxicity
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange*
  • Mercury / toxicity
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / chemically induced
  • Organophosphates / toxicity
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / toxicity
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproductive Health*
  • Women's Health

Substances

  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Organophosphates
  • Lead
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls
  • Mercury