Phthalates May Disrupt Baby’s Development in Utero, Experts Warn

Much of pregnancy can feel like an information overload. Drink this, not that, watch out for these food recalls, pay attention to these heart health signs and don’t forget to stay calm. It can quickly get overwhelming, especially when some topics of concern, like plastic chemical exposure, feel out of your control. But power can come with education and making small, meaningful and manageable changes.

To help parents cut through the noise, a Washington Post investigation recently reviewed decades of research and spoke with scientists and medical experts to understand more about how plastic chemicals are affecting human health. The investigation particularly highlighted phthalates—sometimes called “everywhere chemicals”—which are used in plastics to make them more flexible and in personal care products to hold fragrance.

Research shows phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the hormones that guide a baby’s development. Because they can cross the placenta, babies may be directly exposed in utero. Studies have linked higher levels of prenatal phthalate exposure to risks like premature birth, ADHD and even reproductive challenges later in life.

Scientists are particularly concerned about the impact on male fertility. Research in both animals and humans has found that phthalates may disrupt testosterone production during critical windows of development. Boys exposed in utero to higher levels of these chemicals have been shown to have a greater risk of reproductive issues later on, including reduced sperm counts and fertility challenges.

At the same time, experts stress that it’s difficult to avoid phthalates completely. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now advises ob-gyns to ask all patients about environmental exposures, including screening patients for personal care products or fast food that might contain phthalates, they continue to be found everywhere from food packaging to household dust and countless everyday products. And since almost everyone carries some level of exposure, it’s hard to say exactly what amount is safe or harmful.

Still, by making these changes, especially in the critical first trimester period, you may reduce your own and baby’s exposure to phthalates too:

• Ditch the plastic for glass or stainless steel containers: Especially for storing or reheating hot foods, since heat speeds up chemical leaching.
• Check labels on personal care products: Choose items that are “phthalate-free” or “fragrance-free” when possible.
• Prioritize fresh, less-processed foods: Cooking with whole ingredients helps limit phthalates, which are common in packaged and fast foods.

At the end of the day, lowering exposure where it feels simple and doable may make a difference, but stressing about eliminating every trace won’t help you or your baby. Focus on the small steps that feel manageable, and trust that those choices add up.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.