Do you think that the salt we use for melting ice on the walkways and roads could have any effect on fetuses such as causing birth defects?

You can check the bag to see what it says about animals. We had to use some on the roof last week but only on the side where it would not run down into the dog area. We only use sand in the areas where the dogs go - no salt. There is a special pet product for use on ice, but pretty expensive for our needs.

Some vets rec. folic acid in early pregnancy to promote good developement.

No idea what product you used - I guess like the previous poster said - look on the bag to see what is in it.

I was at the feed store the day before our ice/sleet/snow storm last week and bought a 50-lb. bag of livestock feed salt to use in the dog area - it's rather fine, but at least I know it's meant to be ingested by animals if the dogs lick their feet. And it only cost $3.99!