Although during pregnancy most women can continue to do their routine as they always have, we know that this is a time when we should avoid certain activities or consume certain foods and drinks. Many of the things a mother eats, drinks, smells, or wears can influence her baby’s development and her own health during this stage.
As an example we have two recent studies, which have found that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can increase the possibility of premature birth and advance puberty in minors .
What are phthalates and where can we find them?
Phthalates are a type of chemical compounds that are added to plastics , in order to increase their flexibility, transparency and durability, also being used as solvents in some cleaning products.
These chemicals are found in various plastic products , including some for cosmetic use, such as soaps, shampoo, nail polish, and hairspray; detergents and cleaning products (chlorine, ammonia or degreasing products); Lubricant oils; furniture; medical products such as IV tubes or lines and plastic drapes; as well as in toys, bottles and food storage containers, to name a few examples.
Its use is so common and widespread that it is believed that all people have some amount of phthalates in our body . According to information from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are exposed to these chemicals by eating and drinking food that has been in contact with products that contain them, as well as breathing in phthalate particles in the air.
The problem with phthalates is that they are endocrine disruptors and can influence hormones . Despite the fact that for some years negative evidence has been found about their use, until now they are only prohibited or limited in childcare articles in Europe and in some countries such as the United States, Mexico, Japan and Australia.
Phthalates and pregnancy: what the science says
For some years now, the effects of exposure to phthalates at various stages of life have been studied, after which their use has been banned in products aimed at babies and young children (such as Bisphenol A or BPA, which was previously found in baby bottles).
Regarding pregnancy, two studies were recently published that point out its negative effects during this stage. The first of them analyzed 16 studies carried out in the United States, finding that women with high concentrations of certain phthalates in their urine were more likely to have a premature birth .
The second study, conducted with the participation of 788 Spanish children, found that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy could increase the risk of early puberty , between 7 and 10 years of age.
These two investigations are not the first to point out the effect of phthalates on pregnant women . In 2020, research found that prenatal exposure to phthalates was associated with symptoms of autism in boys (but not girls) between the ages of three and four.
Another study from 2014 found that prenatal exposure to phthalates was linked to lower IQ in children , while a small study from 2009 had already found that it could influence the chance of giving birth prematurely.
How can we avoid them during pregnancy?
The bad news is that phthalates are present in many products that we use frequently, so all of us have some level of these chemicals in our bodies. The good news is that there are several things we can do to reduce exposure to them during pregnancy (and always).
One of the most important is related to our diet. When preparing or consuming food, we will have to choose to serve them in plates, glasses and containers that are not made of plastic, choosing those made of glass or ceramic, as well as wooden or stainless steel utensils .
Another recommendation is that if you have plates, glasses or other plastic containers that we do not know for sure if they have phthalates or not, it is never to put them in the microwave or in the dishwasher , because the heat causes them to release these chemicals, contaminating the food. A good guide for this is to check if the same product indicates whether or not it is suitable to be placed in these two appliances.
Another measure is to limit exposure to pesticides, lead-based paints, and common chemicals that may contain phthalates, including: some paint thinners, water-based glues, furniture cleaners, nail polish , gasoline vapors and pesticides used in homes and gardens.
One of the most important things we can do to reduce exposure to phthalates at home is to read the labels of the products we consume and buy .
This can be a bit tricky as phthalates are not listed as such, but instead are identified by acronyms such as DEHP, DIBP, DBP, and BBP . In the case of plastic containers and products, we must pay attention that they do not contain the recycling code 3 or PVC , as indicated in this graph:
Avoid buying prepared food as much as possible and choose to cook at home , since the containers in which food is usually placed are made of plastic or other flexible materials that contain chemicals that can be dangerous.
Finally, although it is safe to use sex toys during pregnancy, some contain materials that can be toxic to the body, such as phthalates and parabens. Choose non-toxic sex toys that are made of body-safe silicone, brushed aluminum, ABS plastic, or glass.
Cover photo | Matilda Wormwood at Pexels
