World Health Day: Experts Warn Of Microplastics In Placenta And Pregnancy Complications

Tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, are being found everywhere—from the food we eat to the air we breathe. Now, they have been discovered in a place that has raised serious concern: the human placenta. Health experts are now warning that these particles could pose risks to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Dr Neha Abhijit Pawar, Consultant Gynaecologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explains, “Pregnant women can be exposed to microplastics through food, especially seafood, as well as water and air. There is growing concern that these particles can reach the baby through the placenta and may affect fetal development.”

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size. They either come from the breakdown of bigger plastic items or are added to products like cosmetics and cleaning agents. Now, studies are showing that these particles can enter the human body and even cross into the womb.

How Do Microplastics Enter Our Bodies?

Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairman and Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi, explains, “Microplastics mostly enter our bodies through inhaling polluted air or dust, especially indoors where plastic materials and synthetic fabrics are common. They also come from food packaged in plastic and from drinking bottled water.”

He adds, “One litre of bottled water can contain thousands of microplastic particles. Also, many cosmetics contain tiny plastic beads that can be absorbed through the skin or swallowed.”

Once inside the body, these particles can move through the blood, reach different organs, and even cross the placenta to reach the baby.

Why Are Microplastics Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals like heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can affect the hormones of both the mother and the baby.

“Microplastics may cause inflammation, which can lead to complications such as high blood pressure in pregnancy (preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, or even premature birth,” says Dr Pawar. “Some animal studies have also linked these particles to developmental and brain-related issues, though more research is needed in humans.”

Dr Gupta adds, “The placenta is what supplies food and oxygen to the baby. Any foreign substance in the placenta can affect the baby’s growth. There’s also concern that microplastics might weaken the baby’s immune system or cause low birth weight.”

How Can Pregnant Women Reduce Exposure?

While it’s difficult to completely avoid microplastics, experts say there are simple ways to reduce the risk, especially during pregnancy.

Dr Pawar suggests:

Meanwhile, Dr Gupta suggests:

“In the womb, microplastics now exist—an upsetting reality of modern times,” says Dr Gupta. “We still don’t fully understand the long-term effects, but taking steps to reduce exposure is wise.”

Dr Pawar adds, “Pregnant women should be careful about what they eat, drink, and use on their skin. The risks from these tiny particles may be small, but they are real and should not be ignored.”

Protecting unborn babies from these hidden threats may begin with the simple choices we make every day—choosing safer alternatives and limiting plastic in our lives.

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