Effects of lead exposure during pregnancy

For pregnant women, lead exposure can harm their unborn child and increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight.

Lead stored in a mother’s bones from past exposure can be released into her bloodstream during pregnancy and cross the placenta.

Lead affects almost every organ of a growing child and an expectant mother.

It’s never too late to protect children from lead—even if you’re only learning about its risks now. Every step you take helps keep children safer.