Pregnancy protection program in a large chemical company: design and initial survey results.

Objectives: To describe the BASF pregnancy protection program and provide initial results regarding selected pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Pregnancies (n = 1148) occurring between 1997 and 2002 were identified and outcomes were documented by questionnaires administered after the pregnancy announcement, end of pregnancy, and one year later. Potential maternal exposures were assessed via job histories, workplace inspections, and questionnaire. Results: Participation was 90% overall and was consistently high across employee subgroups. Pregnancy losses (11.5%) did not differ significantly by type of work. Among pregnancy symptoms vaginal bleeding was weakly associated with two exposure measures. Preterm births (8.7%) were in agreement with general population norms and did not vary by maternal exposure category. Conclusions: High participation rates and a structured approach to employee education and documentation of reproductive outcomes may be of value in addressing reproductive health issues in the workplace.