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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.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern because of its potential to impair human health, particularly with regard to fetal development. However, the origins of prenatal MP exposure and its effects on fetal development have not been well studied. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development. PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 2010 until March 2024. Original publications exploring the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development were included in the study. After selecting papers, two independent reviewers extracted data regarding study characteristics, microplastics identified, and reproductive impacts. The quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Twelve studies, including 234 subjects, were selected from a total of 2,809 citations for the final qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2021 and 2024, and most were conducted in China. The results of the included studies confirmed the existence of microplastics with varying sizes (2.1 to 100 micrometers) in the placenta and the fetal body. Studies revealed correlations between lifestyle choices and the presence of microplastics in the placenta. They also reported correlations between the level of microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birthweights, affected gestational age, and fetal growth and development. Microplastics may be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy. Nonetheless, more thorough research is required to comprehend the impact of microplastic exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.
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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.
Microplastic Exposure During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Risks to Maternal and Fetal Health
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This systematic review summarizes existing research on how microplastic exposure during pregnancy may affect mothers and developing babies. Studies suggest microplastics can cross the placental barrier, raising concerns about potential effects on fetal development, though more human research is needed to confirm specific risks.
Impact of prenatal micro/nanoplastics exposure on intrauterine development and growth: a systematic review
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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.
Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health
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This review examines growing evidence that microplastics accumulate in the human placenta and may affect pregnancy outcomes and child development. Given that exposure during pregnancy can program lifelong health in offspring, the presence of these tiny plastic particles in reproductive tissues raises important concerns about fertility, pregnancy complications, and children's health.
Microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood
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Researchers detected 16 different types of microplastics in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and fetal tissues (placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord) from 12 pregnant women who delivered by cesarean section. The most common plastics found were polyamide and polyurethane, and microplastic levels in amniotic fluid increased with maternal age and pre-pregnancy body weight, confirming that these particles can pass from mother to fetus.
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