Midwifery and Womens Health

Track 9: Reproductive Hazards

Both the female and male reproductive systems play a critical role in pregnancy. Any problem with these systems can adversely affect fertility and the ability to bear children. Hence, anything that directly affects reproductive health is known as a reproductive hazard. It mainly includes Radiation, Metals such as lead and mercury, Chemicals such as pesticides, Cigarettes, Some viruses or Alcohol. In case of men, a reproductive hazard affects the sperm. For a woman, a reproductive hazard can cause different effects during pregnancy, depending on the exposure. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, it results in birth defect or a miscarriage. During the last 6 months of pregnancy, it slows the growth of the fetus, affect the development of its brain, or cause premature labor.