Microplastics & Pregnancy
Microplastics and Pregnancy: The Complete Guide
Everything an expecting parent needs to know about microplastics — from preconception through baby. Trimester-by-trimester guidance, research explainers, and ranked product picks. Every health claim is reviewed by our editor-in-chief Claire Rowan and tied to peer-reviewed research.
Preconception & fertility
The 3 to 6 months before conception are the highest-leverage exposure-reduction window. BPA and phthalate levels can be measurably lowered in this period.
Trying to Conceive: What Couples Need to Know
3-6 month preconception detox plan for both partners.
Read guideMicroplastics and Fertility
What the research shows for couples planning to conceive.
Read guideMicroplastics and IVF Success Rates
Pre-cycle plasticiser reduction protocol.
Read guideMicroplastics in Semen
2024 studies on sperm quality and male fertility.
Read guideSynthetic Underwear & Male Fertility
Polyester underwear and reproductive skin exposure.
Read guidePregnancy: trimester guides
Microplastics have been detected in 100% of human placentas tested. Trimester-by-trimester guidance for what to prioritize when.
Pregnancy complications: the evidence
Studies link higher plasticiser exposure to specific complications. None prove causation in humans, but the precautionary case is reasonable.
Microplastics and Miscarriage Risk
Cohort study evidence and reasonable precautions.
Read guideMicroplastics and Preeclampsia
PFAS, BPA, and phthalate exposure links.
Read guideMicroplastics and Gestational Diabetes
Endocrine disruption and insulin resistance.
Read guideMicroplastics in the Placenta (UNM 2024)
100% of placentas tested, ~127 μg/g.
Read guideMicroplastics in Amniotic Fluid
Three routes of fetal exposure explained.
Read guideFor the mother: what to use
Personal care, supplements, and sleep environment all matter more during pregnancy than before. Cleaner picks for each category.
Microplastics in Prenatal Vitamins
HPMC vs polyethylene glycol — what to choose.
Read guideStretch Mark Creams: Safer Picks
Plant-oil alternatives and clean pregnancy picks.
Read guideNipple Cream & Lanolin
The first product baby ingests — safer brands ranked.
Read guidePregnancy Pillows
Organic cotton, kapok, and wool picks vs polyester foam.
Read guideHospital Birthing Supplies
DEHP-free IV bags and what to pack from home.
Read guideMicroplastics in Breast Milk
2022 Ragusa study explained.
Read guideBaby: feeding & products
A 2020 Nature Food study found plastic baby bottles release 1-16 million microplastic particles per liter. Material choice is high-stakes for infants.
Best Baby Bottles Without Microplastics
Glass, silicone, and steel picks ranked.
Read guideBaby Bottle Materials Compared
Glass vs silicone vs steel vs PP vs PPSU vs PES.
Read guideMicroplastics in Baby Formula
Powdered vs ready-to-feed, container choice.
Read guideBaby Food Pouches (Gerber, Happy Baby)
Up to 11,000 particles per pouch — glass jar alternatives.
Read guideBaby Skincare, Lotion & Sunscreen
Cleanest brands ranked.
Read guidePacifiers & Teethers Material Guide
Silicone, natural rubber, wood — Hevea, Mushie, Bibs.
Read guideSippy Cups & Toddler Dishes
Steel, silicone, bamboo alternatives.
Read guideDisposable Diapers (Pampers, Huggies)
Cleaner alternatives ranked.
Read guideWet Wipes & Baby Wipes
99% are polyester/PP — even "flushable" ones.
Read guideNursery setup
The room your baby spends 12-16 hours a day in. Material choices for crib, mattress, air quality, and toys.
Children (older)
Children ingest more microplastics per pound of body weight than adults. Age-specific guidance from infants through school age.
Scan baby gear and pregnancy products before you buy
Bottles, sippy cups, baby food pouches, prenatal vitamins, cosmetics. The MicroPlastics app weighs material + brand + condition and suggests cleaner alternatives.
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