05/09/2025
During pregnancy, the placenta acts as a lifeline, supplying oxygen and nutrients while shielding the fetus from harmful substances. But it isnât a perfect barrier. Recent research suggests that tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics, can cross from the motherâs bloodstream into the developing baby. Once inside, they may disrupt how cells communicate, trigger cell death, cause oxidative stress, and interfere with hormones essential for growth.
Studies in animals, lab-grown human tissue, and placental models show that the size and type of particle matter. Larger particles often get trapped in the placenta, while smaller ones can slip through and even reach fetal organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. Some experiments have linked exposure to lower birth weights, smaller placentas, and subtle organ changes. Because fetal development relies on precise timing for cell growth, movement, and death, even minor disruptions during critical windows can have lasting effects, potentially increasing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life.
Microplastics may also affect the developing brain, accumulating in regions crucial for learning, memory, and behavior, and altering neurotransmitter levels and gene activity. While much of the evidence comes from lab and animal studies, the potential risks highlight the urgent need for more research. Understanding how microplastics impact pregnancies could shape policies, improve maternal guidance, and help protect the next generation.
RESEARCH PAPER đ
PMID: 36848019