A review of studies on maternal occupational exposures and birth defects, and the limitations associated with these studies

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) Vol. 51; no. 4; pp. 230 - 244
• Main Authors: Shi, L., Chia, S.‐E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.06.2001; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Bias; Biological and medical sciences; Birth defects; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Congenital Abnormalities - etiology; Data Collection - methods; Female; Humans; Industry; limitations; maternal effects; Maternal Exposure - adverse effects; maternal occupation; Medical sciences; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Toxicology; Various organic compounds; Human; Congenital; Toxicity; Review; Occupational exposure; Epidemiology; Pregnancy; Teratogenesis; Newborn diseases; Malformation; Female; Professional activity; Occupational medicine; Bibliographic review
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/51.4.230
• ISSN: 0962-7480

The proportion of pregnant women who work during pregnancy is increasing as more women move into previously male‐dominated occupations. With this move, occupational exposure to chemical or physical factors during pregnancy could be further increased. In the last decade, there have been many reports on the causes of birth defects. Unfortunately, most reported associations between occupational exposures and adverse reproductive outcomes in epidemiological studies are equivocal and often controversial. Many reported associations are only suggestive. More information is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. The major reasons for ambiguous findings are due to limitations of study methodology, e.g. inappropriate endpoints, multiple confounders, low study power and inadequate analysis methods. It must also be noted that maternal work, and therefore exposure, may also differ greatly from country to country.