The hazards of reproduction in space.

NASA Medical Standards for space flight (JSC 11570) specifically disqualify any flight crew member who is pregnant. A variety of factors led to this recommendation including the effects of radiation exposure on fetal development. Additionally, other concerns such as toxic chemical exposure, microgravity, pregnancy accidents, plus alterations in breathing gas mixtures and decompression preclude pregnant flight crew members from missions in the foreseeable future. The future of space travel will require reproduction beyond the confines of earth's environment. This makes it all the more necessary to identify the potential hazards associated with reproduction in space.