Microplastics in Pregnancy: What Parents Need to Know

Recent research has found microplastics (those tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm wide) in human placentas. Even more concerning? They’re turning up more often in pregnancies that end early, raising important questions about how everyday plastic exposure could be affecting birth outcomes.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics come from all sorts of sources: food packaging, synthetic clothing, cosmetics, and even the air. They’re small enough to travel through our bodies, and researchers now believe they can cross the placental barrier and reach the unborn baby.

In one new study, scientists analysed 62 placentas and found that over 60% contained microplastics. These included particles of polyethylene (used in plastic bags and bottles), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other common plastics. Many of these were found in the placental tissue that supports the baby’s growth and development.

Why does this matter?

While we still don’t know exactly what microplastics do to the human body long-term, let alone microplastics in pregnancy, early signs are worrying. Inflammation, hormone disruption, and cell stress are all possibilities and those are especially concerning during pregnancy, when everything is developing rapidly.

The new research also found that microplastics were significantly more common in preterm births. While that doesn’t prove they cause premature labour, it does suggest a potential link that’s worth exploring. Microplastics are already known to cause inflammation at a cellular level and since inflammation plays a key role in triggering labour, it’s possible that this exposure could be influencing birth timing. Preterm birth remains a leading cause of complications for newborns, so anything that might contribute is worth taking seriously.

What can we do about microplastics in pregnancy?

You can’t eliminate microplastics from your environment completely but there are practical steps you can take to reduce exposure:

• Switch to glass or stainless steel for food storage and drinking water.

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave.

• Cut back on bottled drinks – plastic bottles are a major source of microplastic exposure.

• Minimise synthetic fabrics like polyester during pregnancy and around newborns.

• Ventilate – dust can carry microplastic particles too.

It’s also helpful to be mindful of your overall exposure, without spiralling into guilt or panic. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about making small, informed changes that stack up over time.

The bigger picture

This research is part of a growing body of evidence that our modern environment is affecting birth and pregnancy in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. As a midwife and mum, I’m all for grounded advice: the science is still emerging, and most babies are born healthy. But knowledge is power and when we learn something new that could impact our babies, it’s worth taking seriously.

Pregnancy already involves so many decisions. If you’re preparing for birth, think of this as one more gentle nudge to go back to basics…. less plastic, more fresh food, and simple choices that support a healthy start for your baby.

🔬 Further Reading & Original Sources

• Ragusa et al. (2020) – Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta
  Read on ScienceDirect

• Braun et al. (2021) – Detection of Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting
  Read on MDPI Pharmaceutics

• Campen et al. (2024) – Microplastics in Every Human Placenta
  Read summary via University of New Mexico Health Sciences