Welcoming a new addition to the family is such an exciting time. Yet for first time parents, and even for seasoned pros, there are so many things to think about and prepare for the arrival of a baby.
It starts with ensuring a healthy pregnancy. ost expectant mothers in the US will receive prenatal care that aims to reduce complications and ensure proper development. This includes various screenings to check on fetal development, as well as counseling to maintain good health for the pregnant mother. Diet, exercise, and medication recommendations are typically provided to promote good health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends avoidance of alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs due to their toxic effects on the growing fetus.
One area that is gaining more awareness among expecting parents is the potential harm of environmental toxins such as pesticides, microplastics and phthalates, and BPA (bisphenol A), But in this article, we take a closer look at toxic PFAS chemicals and some considerations for expectant mothers and parents.
What are PFAS chemicals and where do they come from?
PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down in the environment and the human body. PFAS have been in use since the 1940s. PFAS compounds are found in all sorts of consumer products and industrial applications due to their water-repellant, greaseproof, and stain-resistant properties. Some common sources of PFAS include contaminated drinking water, non-stick pans and cookware, food wrapper and packaging, microplastics, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, cosmetics, sanitary products, and even baby formula and baby wipes.
Prenatal and early infancy impacts of PFAS
Given how pervasive PFAS chemicals are in everyday life, it’s difficult to completely avoid exposure. Some studies estimate that 98% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, and even newborns have been shown to have PFAS according to a study by Emory University.
As an expectant mother, pregnancy is an important time to take care of your health for yourself and for your growing baby. During pregnancy, the placenta provides nutrients to the developing embryo. PFAS chemicals accumulate in the placenta and are passed through to the embryo (and fetus in later stages of pregnancy). What this means is that some of the PFAS that you’re exposed to during pregnancy will end up exposing the fetus. Exposing the fetus to high levels of PFAS can have negative health effects such as premature birth, low birth weight, and issues with neurological development. One study even found a correlation between prenatal exposure and lower IQ levels.
Premature births
In the same research study referenced above, Emory University scientists looked into PFAS across 267 births by studying the mother and the newborn’s PFAS concentrations. The key finding of this research was that mothers with high PFAS levels had a higher likelihood of preterm or early term births.
- High PFAS levels in the mother during pregnancy were correlated with 1.5-times higher chance of preterm birth (born three weeks before their due date) or early term birth (born 1-2 weeks before their due date)
- PFAS chemicals found in blood samples from newborns shortly after birth were also present in the mother, suggesting that PFAS exposure occurred during pregnancy
- The researchers believe that the PFAS chemicals may have disrupted hormone function and tissue growth, increasing the risk for preterm birth
PFAS exposure through breast milk
After birth, newborns face exposure to PFAS chemicals due to ingestion of PFAS-containing breast milk and formula. Infants can also be exposed to PFAS through contaminated diapers, baby wipes, and clothing.
In the case of breastfeeding, it appears to be the mother’s exposure to PFAS that is inadvertently exposing the newborn. Researchers have found that human breast milk contains significant levels of PFAS. One study looked at “legacy” PFAS compounds called PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) in breast milk. The research found that some breast milk had PFOA and PFOS concentrations that were higher than levels considered safe for children’s drinking water.
So, should you avoid breastfeeding because of PFAS? Experts agree that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh potential risks of toxin exposures through breast milk in most cases. Yet it’s important to understand that if the mother experiences very high levels of PFAS exposure, this could lead to higher exposures for the breastfeeding baby.
Conclusions
Parents have so many things to think about, and keeping children safe and healthy is a key concern. Parents usually aim to provide clean water, food, and air for their families wherever possible. Environmental pollutants, such as PFAS chemicals, have negative impacts on childhood and adolescent development. Limiting exposure to PFAS during pregnancy and early infancy could play a role in reducing your family’s risks. Learn more about how small changes to your daily living could promote healthier environments for your family. And for the adults in the household, consider taking a simple, at-home PFAS blood test to better understand your PFAS levels.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this article or on the web site represents medical advice or an offer of medical, diagnostic, or treatment products or services. Anyone concerned about their health should consult a licensed medical professional.
