There are many causes for miscarriages, birth defects, and other reproductive problems. In
most cases of an adverse pregnancy outcome, the cause remains unknown.
Veterinary medicine has many inherent dangers for a pregnant student and their developing fetus.
Ionizing radiation, zoonotic diseases, anesthetic gases, chemotherapeutic agents, exogenous
hormones, and physical injuries are just some of the risks pregnant students in the veterinary
profession may face. Students who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during clinical
rotations should work with the Clinical Sciences department to consider rotation scheduling that
may minimize common risks.
- Ionizing radiation
- Exposure to ionizing radiation while pregnant may increase risks of birth defects or miscarriage. Risks vary based on dosage of radiation and stage of pregnancy during exposure.
- In accordance with the Kansas State University Radiation Safety Manual, students in a condition of the first signs of pregnancy should limit their occupational exposure to the abdomen area to less than 0.5 rem over the entire pregnancy period.
- Zoonotic infectious agents and precautions
- Veterinarians may encounter zoonotic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in professional settings. Some of these infectious agents may present specific risksto pregnant students and/or the developing fetus. Organisms of concern to pregnant students include, but are not limited to, Toxoplasma, Brucella, Salmonella, Cryptosporidia, Listeria, Chlamydophila psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus. Pregnant students should immediately contact their supervising faculty and take appropriate precautions if they believe they have been in contact with a suspect or confirmed case of these infections.
- Chemicals
- Anesthetic gases
- Pregnant students exposed to waste anesthetic gases may have an increased risk of miscarriage.
- Decisions regarding pregnant student exposure to anesthetic gases,
- including normal waste gases during anesthetic procedures or patients recovering from anesthesia, should be made in conjunction with the student’s physician.
- Students may wear a respirator during periods of potential exposure to waste anesthetic gases as directed by their physician. Students are encouraged to contact Kansas State University Environmental Health and Safety for questions regarding respirator use and proper fitting.
- Formaldehyde
- Working with formaldehyde (and closely related formalin and glutaraldehyde) while pregnant may increase chances of miscarriage.
- A student may wear a respirator during periods of potential exposure to formaldehyde as directed by their physician. Students are encouraged to contact Kansas State University Environmental Health and Safety for questions regarding respirator use and proper fitting.
- Chemotherapeutic agents
- Working with certain chemotherapeutic agents during pregnancy could increase chances of fetal loss or miscarriage, fetal defects, pre-term births, or learning disabilities in children exposed during pregnancy. All students, including pregnant students, should follow all VHC policies for protective clothing and equipment.
- Exogenous hormones (ex. prostaglandins, oxytocin)
- Veterinarians routinely work with exogenous hormones that affect reproductive organs of animals and people. Exposure to these types of compounds may increase risks for fetal loss and miscarriage. Students should talk with their supervising faculty in cases where these compounds are administered to patients. When working with these compounds, students should wear protective clothing (like gloves and protective clothing) to avoid contact.
- Physical injury
- Physical dangers associated with large animals, aggressive animals, and heavy objects may be exacerbated during pregnancy. Students should be cognizant of physical dangers and consult with their supervising faculty or staff with specific concerns. Any injuries should be immediately reported to supervising faculty or staff.