[Preconceptual care should include looking at the effect of working conditions on pregnancy]

Working conditions are amongst the exogenous factors that can lead to pregnancy complications. Attention within preconceptual care to the working conditions experienced by women who plan to become pregnant can change this, by influencing exposure to harmful working conditions. Until now, relatively little attention has been given to working conditions within preconceptual care, and the subject is often not discussed in daily midwifery practice. The most relevant literature on this topic is summarized in this article. Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, stressful work and nightshifts during early pregnancy increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. There is also an increased risk of congenital malformations if the mother has been exposed to solvents or pesticides during early pregnancy, or the father has been exposed to these substances before or shortly after conception. We conclude that the occupational physician should be involved in the preconceptual consultation in order to contribute to the prevention of pregnancy complications.