Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) is very important for the development of a healthy foetus, as it can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida.

There has been a world-wide increase in the prevalence of women working during pregnancy. In 1995 in the UK, 66% of women of working age were in employment. This figure had risen to 69% by 200026 and continued to rise. In 2004, seasonally adjusted figures for the spring quarter showed that 45% of the employed population were women.

Working in an area where you regularly breathe secondhand smoke during pregnancy can increase your chances of having a baby with low birthweight. Here, you can learn more about secondhand smoke and what you can do to reduce your exposure for a healthier pregnancy.
What is secondhand smoke?

Working with anesthetic gases could increase your chances of having a miscarriage if the gases are not properly controlled. Here, you can learn more about anesthetic gases and what you can do to reduce your exposure for a healthier pregnancy.

Working in a noisy job when you’re pregnant can affect your hearing and increase your stress levels. When the noise level is very high, like a jackhammer or at a rock concert, it may increase your chances of having a baby with hearing problems. Here, you can learn more about noise at work and what you can do to reduce your exposure for a healthier pregnancy.

Exposure to excess heat at work could increase your chances of having a baby with a birth defect or other reproductive problems. Here, you can learn more about heat at work and what you can do to reduce your exposure for a healthier pregnancy.