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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.
Background: Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that accumulate in various tissues, including the placenta. Experimental and clinical studies suggest potential cytotoxic, oxidative, and inflammatory effects that may lead to placental dysfunction and adverse obstetric outcomes. However, high-quality evidence on the clinical relevance of MNPs exposure during pregnancy remains scarce, underscoring the need for systematic evaluation of their impact on maternal and fetal health. Methods: The databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL, Embase, MDPI and Google Scholar were searched for studies published up to September 2025 investigating the relationship between MNPs and obstetric outcomes. Results: Twelve studies were included in this review, with half employing an observational design in human subjects and the other half using experimental studies in murine models. Although the available evidence is limited, there are studies reporting the association between MNPs exposure and premature birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and miscarriage. The most prevalent polymer detected was polyethylene, and the most commonly used MNPs detection techniques were Raman microspectroscopy, digital microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, and Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Conclusions: This systematic review summarizes current limited insights on the potential effects of MNPs on obstetric outcomes, highlighting possible associations with low gestational age, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and miscarriage. Findings do not allow causal inference due to heterogeneity in study design, exposure assessment, contamination control, and analytical methodologies.
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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.
Microplastics in the human placenta: mechanisms, risks, and futures: a systematic review
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This review pulls together studies showing that tiny plastic particles can reach the placenta, umbilical cord blood, and even a baby's first stool, and may trigger stress and inflammation in placental cells. It's too early to know exactly how much this harms babies long-term, but scientists say it's a concerning enough pattern to warrant urgent, better-designed research.
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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.
Placental Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: A Systematic Review of Eco-Exposome Pathways to Preterm Birth and Neonatal Outcomes
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This systematic review examined evidence that micro- and nanoplastics have been found in human placentas and may be linked to preterm birth. The particles appear to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of placental function through multiple molecular pathways, raising concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on pregnancy outcomes and newborn health.
Microplastics: A threat to Fetoplacental unit and Reproductive systems
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the placenta and reproductive system, particularly during pregnancy. The authors highlight that these tiny plastic particles have been found in placental tissue and may interfere with fetal development, though they note that much more research is needed to understand the full risks to mothers and babies.
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