Abstract: Congenital heart disease（CHD），one of the most common birth defects，which brings tremendous burden on society and families，has become a primary disease affecting the life and health of infants and young children .In recent years，the research on etiology of CHD has made a considerable progress. This review summarizes the currently available literature on potential fetal exposures that might enhance the risk for cardiovascular defects．Information is summarized for genetic factors，physical and chemical factors（industrial and agricultural pollution，X-ray radiation，air pollution，smoking，alcohol abuse，etc.），infection during pregnancy，medication during pregnancy，maternal mental stress and maternal diseases．CHD generally results from the comprehensive effects of multitude risk factors rather than single one or their simple combination．Preventive intervention targeting risk factors should be suggested，which would help reduce the occurrence of CHD．

Key words: Cardiovascular abnormalities, Heart defects, congenital, Risk factors, Environmental pollution, Heredity