Measles

This sheet is about having measles in a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is measles (rubeola)?

Measles (rubeola) is a viral disease. It is an infection caused by a virus called Morbillivirus.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Common symptoms of measles are rash, very high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Some people with measles also have headaches, chest pain, breathing problems, ear infections, and diarrhea.

Symptoms of measles usually start 7 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. The first symptoms are usually fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

2 to 3 days after symptoms start: tiny white spots (Koplik spots) might appear inside the mouth.

3 to 5 days after symptoms start: skin rash can appear. The rash can look like flat red spots or raised bumps. The skin rash usually starts on the face near the hairline and then spreads to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. The skin rash usually lasts 5 to 6 days.

Measles is a serious condition for anyone who becomes infected. However, some people may be at higher risk for more serious symptoms. These severe symptoms can include pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (infection of the brain). People at higher risk of complications from measles are pregnant women, children under the age of 5 years, adults over the age of 20 years, and people with a weakened immune system.

How do you get measles?

Measles is very contagious. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has sneezed or coughed. Since the virus can stay in the air, measles can infect people even when the infected person is no longer in the area. Up to 9 out of 10 (90%) of susceptible people (those who have not had measles or the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine) are expected to get measles if they have been around an infected person or in the same place an infected person has recently been. A person infected with measles can spread the virus to other people 5 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash is gone. Once a person has been infected with measles, it is rare for them to get sick from the virus again.

How can I reduce my chances of getting measles?

The best ways to protect yourself against measles is to be vaccinated. MotherToBaby has a sheet on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine/.

Other ways to reduce your chances of getting measles:

Avoid others who are sick with measles

Avoid crowded areas if a measles outbreak is taking place near you

Wash your hands well with soap and water

Other people living in the home should also be vaccinated.

I have measles. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if having measles can make it harder to get pregnant. However, women who are sick with measles typically do not feel well and might be less likely to try to conceive a pregnancy at that time.

Does having/getting measles increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Infection with measles during pregnancy can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does having/getting measles increase the chance of birth defects?

Fever is a possible symptom of measles. A high fever in the first trimester can increase the chance of certain birth defects. Acetaminophen has been recommended to reduce fever in pregnancy. If you get sick with measles and develop a fever, talk with your healthcare provider to confirm if taking acetaminophen is okay for you. For more information about fever and pregnancy and acetaminophen, see the MotherToBaby fact sheets https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/hyperthermia-pregnancy/ and https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/acetaminophen-pregnancy/.

Would having/getting measles increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems?

Having measles during pregnancy can increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth), and stillbirth (fetal death after 20 weeks). A measles infection near the time of delivery might also increase the chance of the baby being born with the infection, although this is thought to be rare.

Does having/getting measles in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

It is not known if having measles in pregnancy increases the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

What screenings or tests are available to see if my pregnancy has birth defects or other issues?

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used be used to screen for some birth defects and to monitor the growth of the pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you.

Breastfeeding while I have measles:

If you have measles, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to prevent the spread of illness to your breastfed baby. If you suspect that your baby has any symptoms of measles, contact the child’s healthcare provider right away. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man has measles, can it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if having measles could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increase the chance of birth defects. In a man has measles he can pass the virus to a pregnant woman through close contact.

In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.

Measles

This sheet is about exposure to measles, mumps, and rubella in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers.

What is measles, mumps, and rubella?

Measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles, three-day measles) are viral diseases that are mostly spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has sneezed or coughed and can spread to others even when the infected person is no longer in the area. Mumps can also be spread through close contact activities (such as playing sports) and from contact with an infected person’s saliva (sharing cups, kissing, etc.). Rubella can be spread by coughing and sneezing. If a woman has rubella during pregnancy, it can be passed to the developing fetus. Serious problems can occur with these viruses, including pneumonia, meningitis, deafness, and death.

Outbreaks of measles and mumps still happen in the U.S., especially in areas where vaccination rates are not high enough to protect the population. Rubella is no longer constantly present (endemic) in the U.S. but can be brought into the country by people who get infected in other countries. Once a person has been infected with measles, mumps, or rubella, it is rare for them to get sick from the virus again.

What are the symptoms of measles, mumps, and rubella?

Measles can cause rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. A person infected with measles can spread the virus to other people from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it goes away.

Mumps can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands under the ears, which can cause puffy and tender cheeks and jaw. Some people who get mumps might have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. People without symptoms can still spread the mumps virus.

Rubella can cause fever, sore throat, and a rash that usually starts on the face. Other symptoms can include headache, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and general discomfort. People with the virus can spread it to others for about 7 days before to 7 days after the rash appears. Some people who get rubella might have no symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. A pregnant woman can pass rubella to their pregnancy.

The best ways to protect yourself against measles, mumps, and rubella are to avoid others who are sick with these diseases, wash your hands well with soap and water, and to get vaccinated before getting pregnant. Other people living in the home should also be vaccinated. For more information on the MMR vaccine, please see our fact sheet here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine/.

I have measles, mumps, or rubella. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if measles or rubella can make it harder to get pregnant. Rarely, a mumps infection can cause inflammation in the ovaries (oophoritis). Ovaries are the organ where eggs are stored and released. Oophoritis could make it harder to get pregnant.

Does having measles, mumps, or rubella increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Infection with measles, mumps, and/or rubella during pregnancy might increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does getting measles, mumps, or rubella during pregnancy increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like getting measles, mumps, or rubella, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. If someone gets rubella during pregnancy, the virus can pass to the fetus and cause birth defects. This is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Babies affected by CRS can have hearing loss, heart defects, and cataracts (cloudy films that form over the lens of the eyes that can affect vision). Not all babies with CRS will have all these symptoms. A baby is more likely to be affected by CRS if the pregnant woman gets rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy, although infection any time in pregnancy carries a chance of CRS. Because of these concerns, women who are pregnant are usually screened early in pregnancy to be sure they have antibodies to rubella.

Having measles or mumps during pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects.

Does having measles, mumps, or rubella during pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

If a woman has measles during pregnancy and has not had an MMR vaccine, there might be an increased chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

Available information does not suggest a significant link between preterm delivery or low birth weight and having mumps during pregnancy.

Having measles, mumps, or rubella during pregnancy might increase the chance of stillbirth (fetal death after 20 weeks). A measles or mumps infection near the time of delivery might also increase the chance of a baby being born with the infection, although this is expected to be rare.

If a rubella infection occurs between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy, about half of these babies are expected to be affected by CRS. Deafness is the most common complication reported with infection after the first trimester.

CRS can also cause growth issues and low birth weight. This is most likely to occur when an infection happens before 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Does having measles, mumps, or rubella during pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

It is not known if having measles or mumps can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Having a rubella infection in pregnancy can increase the chance of developmental delay and/or intellectual disabilities in some children.

What screenings or tests are available to see if my pregnancy has birth defects or other issues?

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used to screen for some birth defects. Ultrasound can also be used to track the growth of the pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you. There are no tests available during pregnancy that can tell how much effect there could be on future behavior or learning.

Breastfeeding and measles, mumps, or rubella:

If you have measles, mumps, or rubella, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to prevent the spread of illness to your breastfed baby. If you suspect that your baby has any symptoms of measles, mumps, or rubella, contact the child’s healthcare provider right away. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man has measles, mumps, or rubella could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if measles or rubella could affect men’s fertility or increase the chance of birth defects. Having mumps might temporarily decrease the size of testicles, but this is not likely to cause infertility. Infected partners can pass these viruses to a pregnant woman through close contact. For more information on paternal exposures, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.

Measles

This sheet is about exposure to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is measles, mumps, and rubella?

Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral diseases that are mostly spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Measles can cause rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Mumps can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands under the ears. Rubella can cause fever, sore throat, a rash that usually starts on the face, and other symptoms. If a woman gets rubella during pregnancy, the virus can pass to the fetus and increase the chance of birth defects. This is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). For more information, please see our fact sheet on measles, mumps, and rubella here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/measles-mumps-rubella-mmr-pregnancy/

What is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine (also called a live-attenuated vaccine). The MMR vaccine is a mixture of live but weakened measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. The vaccine helps the body build antibodies (immunity) to these viruses and protects against these viruses in the future. These antibodies usually last for life. In the U.S., the MMR vaccine is usually given during childhood in two doses.

I am not sure if I ever had the MMR vaccine. Should I get the vaccine before getting pregnant?

It is recommended that all women of childbearing age who do not have immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella receive the MMR vaccine at least one month before getting pregnant. If you were born outside the U.S., or are not sure if you were vaccinated, your healthcare provider can do a blood test to see if you have antibodies to these viruses. Getting the MMR vaccine before you are pregnant can help lower the chance of the fetus developing congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Getting the MMR vaccine before you are pregnant increases the amount of antibodies that you will naturally pass down to your baby once they are born. This will help protect your baby from getting measles, mumps, or rubella until they are old enough to receive the MMR vaccine.

I just got an MMR vaccine. How long should I wait until I get pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests waiting to get pregnant, if possible, until one month after receiving the MMR vaccine and your immunity is confirmed by a blood test.

Does getting the MMR vaccine increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if the MMR vaccine can increase the chance of miscarriage. Infection with measles, mumps, and/or rubella during pregnancy might increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does getting the MMR vaccine increase the chance of birth defects?

The MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy because of a very small chance of illness from the weakened viruses in the vaccine itself. This is very rare in the general population. There has been one documented case of a pregnant woman getting the MMR vaccine during the first trimester and then their baby was diagnosed with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) after being born.

Does getting the MMR vaccine increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

It is not known if getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). Because the MMR vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy, vaccination in the second and third trimester has not been well studied.

Will getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

What screenings or tests are available to see if my pregnancy has birth defects or other issues?

Breastfeeding and getting the MMR vaccine:

The MMR vaccine can be given to women who are breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man gets the MMR vaccine, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if the MMR vaccine could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. When a man gets vaccinated, this can help protect his partner, a pregnancy, and children from getting infected with these illnesses. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures and Pregnancy at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.

Measles

This sheet is about having mumps in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection caused by a virus called Orthorubulavirus parotitidis (sometimes also simply called the mumps virus).

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Common signs of mumps are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This is caused by swollen salivary glands. Your salivary glands make saliva to help you swallow and digest food. This swelling can happen on 1 or both sides of the lower face/jaw and can last for up to 10 days.

Other symptoms of mumps can begin a few days before the swelling. Other symptoms include fever, headache, earache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

Some people who get mumps might have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. People without symptoms can still spread the mumps virus to others.

Some people can develop other health problems, including orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) or oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), encephalitis (infection in the brain), meningitis (infection in the covering of the brain or spinal cord), or hearing loss.

For most people, symptoms of mumps usually start 16 to 18 days after being exposed to the mumps virus, but a range of 12 to 25 days has been reported.

How do you get mumps?

Mumps is very contagious. People can spread the virus before they start to have symptoms.

The mumps virus spreads from person to person after direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets. Direct contact can also happen from touching objects (such as doorknobs) that have saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person on them.

How can I reduce my chances of getting mumps?

The best way to protect yourself against mumps is to be vaccinated. MotherToBaby has a sheet on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine/. Since live vaccines (like MMR) should not be given during pregnancy, it’s important to make sure you are up to date with vaccination before getting pregnant or after delivery.

Other ways to reduce your chances of getting mumps are to

avoid others who are sick with the illness,

avoid crowded areas if a mumps outbreak is taking place near you

wash your hands well with soap and water,

encourage other people living in the home to be vaccinated.

I have mumps. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

There are some reports that a mumps infection can cause inflammation in the ovaries (oophoritis). Ovaries are the organs where eggs are stored and released. Oophoritis might make it harder to get pregnant.

Does having mumps increase the chance of miscarriage?

This has not been well-studied. Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Human case reports have suggested that infection with mumps during pregnancy might increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does having mumps increase the chance of birth defects?

Fever is a possible symptom of mumps. A high fever in the first trimester can increase the chance of certain birth defects. Acetaminophen has been recommended to reduce fever in pregnancy. If you get sick with mumps and develop a fever, talk with your healthcare provider to confirm if taking acetaminophen is okay for you. For more information about fever and acetaminophen, see the MotherToBaby fact sheets https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/hyperthermia-pregnancy/ and https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/acetaminophen-pregnancy/.

Does having mumps increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems?

This is not well-studied. Human case reports have suggested that having mumps during pregnancy might increase the chance of stillbirth (fetal death after 20 weeks). A mumps infection near the time of delivery might also increase the chance of the baby being born with the infection, although this is thought to be rare.

Does having mumps in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

It is not known if having mumps in pregnancy increases the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while I have mumps:

The mumps virus has been found in breastmilk, but it is not known if mumps can be spread to a baby through breast milk. If you have mumps, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to prevent the spread of illness to your breastfed baby. If you suspect that your baby has any symptoms of mumps, contact the child’s healthcare provider right away. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man has mumps, can it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

If a man has mumps he can pass the virus to a pregnant woman through close contact. Males who have orchitis (inflammation of the testicles, a side effect of mumps in some males) can have lower fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). This lower fertility is usually temporary, but there are some reports of it lasting. One study did not find an increased chance for birth defects in the offspring of men who had mumps orchitis. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.

Measles

This sheet is about exposures for a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist in a dental office setting. It also suggests some resources available to help create a safe work environment. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers and occupational safety officers.

What types of hazards might be at my workplace?

Some of the potential workplace hazards that dental workers might face include:

Infectious diseases / bloodborne pathogens
Laser/electrosurgery plumes
Heavy metals (mercury)
Nitrous oxide (waste anesthetic gases)
Ionizing radiation (x-rays)
Accidents (needle sticks, bites)
Allergic reactions
Physical strain
Stress
Chemicals (cleaning / disinfecting, dental sealants & tooth filling materials

MotherToBaby has fact sheets on some of these topics at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/.

Although you may work around a potential hazard, it does not mean that you are exposed to levels that would cause a problem. There are safety measures that workers can take to limit exposures.

Pregnancy information for all workers:

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Birth defects can also happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure can cause birth defects. If something can cause birth defects, it is most likely to do so during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy (1st trimester). How much you are exposed to (dose) also matters when looking at workplace risks. For more information on how a fetus develops during pregnancy, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet on critical periods of development at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/critical-periods-development/.

I work around nitrous oxide. Can this harm my pregnancy or my breastfeeding child?

If nitrous oxide is used properly, including the use of scavenging equipment and correct technique, then it is unlikely to increase the chance of miscarriage or birth defects. Also, nitrous oxide is not expected to get into breastmilk. Air monitoring can be done to evaluate staff exposure if there is a concern about air levels in the office. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has a document (https://www.osha.gov/waste-anesthetic-gases/workplace-exposures-guidelines) with detailed information on workplace controls and recommended exposure limits for nitrous oxide. The American Dental Association (ADA) has a web page on working with nitrous oxide when pregnant https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/nitrous-oxide.

I am around our x-ray machine. Does this mean that I am exposed to radiation?

Properly maintained x-ray equipment that is used with proper technique does not expose dental personnel to x-rays. Also, the amount of radiation used in modern digital x-rays is lower than with older film-based x-ray equipment. Please see our MotherToBaby fact sheet on working around ionizing radiation for information on working with x-ray machines at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ionizing-radiation-workplace-pregnancy/.

If I am pregnant or breastfeeding, are there extra steps that I should take to prevent exposure to infectious diseases while working in a dental office?

Workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should follow the same standard precautions established for all workers to prevent exposure to pathogens that can be spread by blood, saliva, or other body fluids. These precautions include proper hand washing and the use of protective equipment like gloves, face masks, and eye protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a document with guidelines for infection control in dental health care settings at https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/index.html.

Make sure you are up to date on all recommended immunizations. Healthcare providers are considered at high risk for getting or spreading hepatitis B, Covid-19, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox). Discuss your personal health history with your healthcare provider to see if there are other vaccine recommendations. MotherToBaby has fact sheets on some of these topics at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/.

Are there concerns with exposure to mercury for dental workers?

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of elemental mercury (liquid mercury) and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and/or copper. This mixture makes a strong, stable filling. Studies have not shown that this type of mercury exposure increases the chance of birth defects or other issues in children of dentists or their assistants.

Mercury can be used safely at work if proper precautions are followed. Because mercury vapor can be absorbed through the lungs and skin, everyone in the office should always use correct safety procedures when handling and disposing of dental amalgams. It is important to check with a safety officer or industrial hygienist to make sure you are using the right protective gear, and that safety systems like suction, air filters, and mercury traps are working. Studies show that workers in offices with poor safety practices have higher mercury levels in their blood. If you are worried about mercury exposure, talk with your healthcare providers about the possibility of having testing done to estimate your exposure levels.

What could be in the smoke that comes from drilling or using lasers?

Smoke plumes could contain fine particles of dust and gases. These are not well studied and there is a lack of standards and precise safety guidelines for this issue. Workers exposed to smoke plumes have reported irritation of the eye, nose and throat, and headache.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommends that there be administrative controls for laser use, including a laser safety officer (LSO). If your workplace LSO has identified specific exposures from laser use in your dental practice, or other exposures from drilling smoke have been identified and you feel that proper workplace protection was not working, contact MotherToBaby to learn more about your specific exposure.

How can I learn more about the chemicals with which I work?

Dental workers can learn about chemicals used at the worksite by looking at the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS). If you have questions or concerns about chemicals used at your worksite, contact a MotherToBaby specialist.

How do I reduce job-related exposures as a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist?

Your work site should provide proper personal protection for all parts of your job. Be certain to use them correctly, even when not pregnant. Check to make sure that you are using the correct type of gloves and other personal protective equipment. Make sure the ventilation / air exchange in your workspace is working properly. Your work safety officer, LSO, and/or an industrial hygienist can help make sure your worksite has the correct protections in place.

One of the most important steps you can take is to practice proper hand washing. Wash hands before and after each patient and after contact with any bodily substance or articles contaminated by them. Wash hands before eating or drinking; after cleaning equipment and rooms; after handling chemicals; and whenever hands are visibly soiled.

MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on working during pregnancy and breastfeeding with general tips and resources available to help reduce potential chemical exposures (https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/reproductive-hazards-workplace/).

If a man works in a dental office, can it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

This has not been well studied. Available data does not suggest a significant link with reduced fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increased risk of birth defects in a partner’s pregnancy. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have specific concerns regarding your work site, discuss them with your healthcare providers or contact MotherToBaby with your specific exposures. In addition, talk with your employer about the option to hire an industrial hygienist (https://www.aiha.org/consultants-directory) or arrange for a Health Hazard Evaluation through the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/default.html) to have your work site evaluated for ways to keep all workers there as safe as possible.

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