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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.
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental contaminants detected in human tissues, including the placenta, raising concerns regarding maternal exposure and fetal health. The objective is to review evidence on microplastic presence in pregnancy-related tissues, toxicity mechanisms, and maternal–fetal outcomes. Literature from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar was reviewed. MPs have been detected in placenta and reproductive tissues. Experimental evidence suggests that microplastics may induce oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and placental injury associated with fetal growth restriction and placental dysfunction. Further prospective studies with standardized methods are required to establish clinical significance.
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This review addressed how microplastics cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development, covering cellular responses in placental tissue, animal model findings, and limited human study data. The authors concluded that transplacental microplastic transfer is a plausible mechanism for intergenerational health effects.
Health Implications of Microplastic Exposure in Pregnancy and Early Childhood: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review summarizes existing research on how microplastic exposure during pregnancy and early childhood may affect health. The evidence shows that microplastics can reach the placenta and may cause oxidative stress and inflammation, raising concerns about potential effects on fetal development and infant health during these vulnerable life stages.
Maternal exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics: Placental lipid metabolic dysregulation as a potential link to fetal growth restriction
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in pregnant women's blood and placenta, and how they might disrupt fat processing in the placenta. Studies in animals and lab-grown cells link plastic exposure to changes that could affect fetal growth, but the review states that proof of this happening in humans is still lacking.
Microplastics in the Perinatal Period: Emerging Evidence on Maternal Exposure, Placental Transfer, and Fetal Health Outcomes
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This review summarizes emerging evidence that microplastics can cross the placenta and reach developing babies, having been detected in maternal blood, placental tissue, amniotic fluid, cord blood, and breast milk. The tiny plastic particles may damage the placenta, disrupt hormones, alter immune responses, and potentially affect fetal growth and brain development. While more research is needed, the findings raise serious concerns about microplastic exposure during pregnancy and its implications for infant health.
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.
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