Abstract: This invention teaches the use of chelating agents to diagnose and treat metal toxins in a patient. Chelation agents are given to the mother for the benefit of the baby. Metal toxins such as lead, arsenic, mercury, tin, antimony, aluminum and others are known to cause miscarriages, birth defects, maldevelopment of the organs and tissues and maldevelopment of the brain. Chelation treatments of the mother can prevent these problems in the embryo, fetus and infant. Removal of lead and mercury and other toxins allows improved development of the offspring, both during the chelation and alter the chelation is discontinued. Determining whether a mother who has just delivered a baby has elevated levels of heavy metals can also be used to identify the elevated metals of the mother as a possible cause of birth defects.