Phthalates Linked to Shorter Gestation - Report - MDSpire
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Phthalates Linked to Shorter Gestation
Researchers linked several pregnancy urinary biomarkers—especially plasticizer and combustion-related chemical metabolites—to small shifts in gestational age and fetal growth measures in the ECHO Cohort.
Clinical Report: Phthalates Linked to Shorter Gestation
Overview
A large cohort study evaluated 5,318 mother-child pairs from 18 US sites to investigate the association between urinary biomarkers of phthalates and alternative plasticizers during pregnancy with gestational length and birth weight-for-gestational-age z scores. The study found that specific phthalate metabolites were linked to shorter gestational length and lower birth weight-for-gestational-age z scores.
Background
Phthalates are widely used industrial chemicals known to disrupt endocrine function and have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, as noted in various studies. Understanding their impact on gestational length and birth weight is crucial for maternal and fetal health, especially given the prevalence of these chemicals in consumer products.
Data Highlights
Analyte
Effect on Gestational Age
Effect on Birth Weight-for-Gestational-Age z Score
Diisononyl phthalate metabolites
-0.6 days per interquartile range increase
-0.06 points
Phthalic acid
-1.1 days
-
Monoethyl phthalate
-
Associated with lower z scores
Key Findings
Eight phthalate metabolites were associated with younger gestational age at birth.
Detection of phthalic acid correlated with approximately 1.1 fewer days of gestation.
Summed phthalates and alternative plasticizers were associated with a 0.06-point lower birth weight-for-gestational-age z score.
Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in male newborns compared to females.
Fifteen analytes were linked to lower birth weight-for-gestational-age z scores.
Associations with preterm birth were noted for several phthalate metabolites.
Clinical Implications
Monitoring and advising on environmental exposures may be beneficial in prenatal care.
Conclusion
The study found significant associations between phthalate exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, indicating a need for further research.
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