Microplastic Exposure During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Risks to Maternal and Fetal Health

Aim: Microplastics, pervasive in the environment, have emerged as potential threats to maternal and fetal health. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence on microplastic exposure during pregnancy and its effects on fetal development. Methods: We conducted systematic literature searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and April 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies assessing microplastic exposure in pregnant populations or relevant animal models and reporting outcomes related to fetal development or pregnancy. Original studies of 27 articles were included in this review. Results: From 735 records, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests microplastics cross the placental barrier, contributing to oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and inflammation. Observed effects include low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental abnormalities. However, only 9 of the 27 included studies were conducted in humans, underscoring that most evidence currently derives from animal models and limiting direct generalizability to human pregnancy. Conclusion: Microplastic exposure presents a plausible risk to pregnancy outcomes. These findings underscore not only the urgency of further human research but also the importance of family physicians incorporating environmental health counseling into prenatal care, helping expectant mothers reduce microplastic exposure and mitigate potential risks. Keywords: microplastics, reproductive health, fetal growth, pregnancy, oxidative stress, environmental toxicology, environmental exposure