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Impact of Environmental Microplastics on Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: A Scoping Review
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics have been found in placentas, amniotic fluid, and other tissues involved in pregnancy, and this review of 53 studies found early evidence linking them to changes in fetal growth, birth weight, and gene activity in animal and lab studies. While these findings are concerning, most of the research so far is in animals or cells rather than humans, so scientists still need to confirm whether microplastic exposure actually causes problems for pregnant people and their babies.
Abstract Purpose of Review Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern with an unknown impact on health, particularly as it relates to maternal, neonatal and offspring development. This scoping review maps the available evidence on the effects of microplastics on pregnancy, neonatal, offspring and tissue outcomes. Recent Findings Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been identified in various human tissues, from amniotic fluid to uterine and placental tissue. Emerging evidence shows that MPs and NPs can cause inflammatory changes and dysfunction in multiple organs, including the intestines, liver, and gonads. Summary A total of 806 studies were identified and imported for screening, of which 348 were eliminated after deduplication. Out of 458 abstracts, 122 abstracts moved forward into full-text review. Following the application of exclusion criteria, 53 studies underwent extraction. These studies were extracted for the following outcomes: pregnancy (5), placental (13), embryogenesis (5), fetal tissue (19), offspring (14) and neonatal outcomes (9). Broadly, the most common outcomes included changes in fetal development and birth weight, disturbances in metabolism and signaling pathways, and differences in gene expression in MP-NP exposed groups compared to control groups. Further research amongst human participants should be conducted to determine if MP-NP exposure has significant clinical effects on pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
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Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy and Fetal Development: A Systematic Review
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A systematic review of 12 studies confirmed the presence of microplastics ranging from 2.1 to 100 micrometers in human placentas and fetal tissue. Microplastic levels correlated with reduced birthweight, affected gestational age, diminished microbiome diversity, and impaired fetal growth and development, with lifestyle choices influencing placental microplastic burden.
Microplastics in pregnancy: placental transfer, maternal exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a literature review
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics found in the placenta and other pregnancy-related tissues. Experimental studies suggest microplastics may cause oxidative stress, inflammation and placental injury linked to restricted fetal growth, but the authors note more research is needed to confirm these effects in clinical settings.
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This systematic review examines how exposure to micro- and nanoplastics during pregnancy may affect fetal development and growth. The research gathered evidence showing that tiny plastic particles can reach the placenta and potentially disrupt normal intrauterine development. While more research is needed, these findings raise important questions about protecting pregnant women from microplastic exposure through food, water, and air.
Micro- and Nanoplastics and Fetal Health: Challenges in Assessment and Evidence from Epidemiological Studies
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This review examines the emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the developing fetus during pregnancy, with animal studies showing potential effects on neurological development and placental blood flow. The study also highlights major challenges in accurately detecting and measuring these tiny particles in biological tissues from mothers and babies. The authors call for standardized methods and more human studies to better understand the risks of prenatal microplastic exposure.
Micro and Nanoplastics and Obstetric Outcomes in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review
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This review pulled together 12 studies (in humans and mice) looking at tiny plastic particles—called micro- and nanoplastics—that have been found in the placenta, and found early hints that they may be linked to premature birth, low birth weight, poor fetal growth, and miscarriage. That said, the research is still limited and inconsistent, so scientists can't yet say plastics *cause* these problems—but it's a good reason to keep an eye on this emerging area as we learn more about how plastic pollution might affect pregnancy.
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