Phthalate exposure during pregnancy tied with increased risk for preterm birth: JAMA

According to a new study by the National Institutes of Health, pregnant women who were exposed to multiple phthalates during pregnancy were at increased risk of preterm birth. Phthalate esters are chemicals used in personal care products such as cosmetics, as well as solvents, detergents, and food packaging.

Analyzing data from more than 6,000 pregnant women in the United States, researchers found that women with high levels of certain phthalate metabolites in their urine were more than three weeks before their mother's expected due date. I found out that there is a high chance of premature delivery.

In the most extensive study in this area, Ferguson and his team pooled data from 16 studies conducted across the United States. This includes prenatal (representative of phthalate exposure) and delivery of urinary phthalate metabolites. Researchers analyzed data from 6,045 pregnant women who gave birth between 1983 and 2018. Nine per cent of the women who participated in this study, or 539 people, had a preterm birth. Phthalate metabolites were detected in more than 96% of urine samples.

The higher the concentration of the investigated phthalate metabolites, the higher the probability of preterm delivery. Exposure to 4 of 11 phthalates in pregnant women was associated with a 14 to 16 per cent increased risk of preterm birth. The most consistent findings are for exposure to phthalates, which are commonly used in personal care products such as nail polish and cosmetics.

The researchers also used statistical models to simulate interventions that would reduce exposure to phthalates.

Thus, the researchers found that reducing phthalate metabolite levels by 50% could prevent feathering.

Reference:

Welch BM, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.2252