Avoid phthalates in pregnancy to reduce preterm birth risks, say experts at the National Institutes of Health who are cautioning pregnant women to avoid the chemicals that could put their pregnancy at risk. This is no small request—phthalates are common chemicals used in personal care products like cosmetics, detergents, and food packaging. They’re chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible.
After analyzing data from more than 6,000 pregnant women in the U.S., researchers corelated a link between higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites in their urine to an increased risk of birthing their babies prematurely—or at least 3 or more weeks before a mom’s due date.
“Having a preterm birth can be dangerous for both baby and mom, so it’s important to identify risk factors that could prevent it,” said Kelly Ferguson, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH, and the senior author on the study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Higher concentrations of most phthalate metabolites examined were associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth. Exposure to four of the 11 phthalates found in the pregnant women was associated with a 14-16% greater probability of having a preterm birth. The most consistent findings were for exposure to a phthalate that is used commonly in personal care products like nail polish and cosmetics.
To avoid these chemicals, experts recommend:
- Selecting phthalate-free personal care products
- Eating fresh, home-cooked meals and avoid processed foods that comes in plastic containers or plastic wraps
- Selecting fragrance-free personal care products
- Purchasing products labeled as “phthalate-free” for personal and family care
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