A new NIH (National Institutes of Health) study has found that there’s a link between phthalates (a toxic chemical) and an increased risk of preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks), which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. This post will teach you how to go phthalate free and identify risk factors so that your risks of preterm birth can be minimized.
Avoiding toxic chemicals may have seemed silly and extreme to many, but with growing evidence proving the risks of such chemicals, more and more people should start avoiding toxic chemicals as much as they can.
The New Study of Phthalates and Preterm Birth
This new NIH study is the largest to date on this topic. The researchers pooled data from 16 studies conducted across the United States and analyzed data from a total of 6,045 pregnant women [1].
9% of the women gave birth preterm, and phthalate metabolites were detected in more than 96% of urine samples [1].
This study also found that a higher concentration of most phthalate metabolites was associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth. “Exposure to 4 of the 11 phthalates found in the pregnant women was associated with a 14-16% greater probability of having a preterm birth” [1].
Furthermore, using statistical models, researchers found that reducing the mixture of phthalate metabolite levels by 50% could prevent preterm births by 12% on average [1].
Warning Signs of Preterm Labor
Call your OB or midwife right away if you notice any of the following signs of preterm labor:
- More vaginal discharge than usual
- A change in the type of discharge – like if you’re leaking watery fluid or if your discharge becomes watery, mucusy, or bloody (even if it’s pink or just tinged with blood)
- Any vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Abdominal pain that feels like menstrual cramps, or having more than four contractions in one hour (even if they don’t hurt)
- Increased pressure in your pelvic area (a feeling that your baby is pushing down)
- Lower back pain, especially if it’s dull or rhythmic, or you didn’t previously have back pain
These symptoms can be confusing because some (such as pelvic pressure or low back pain) are common during pregnancy, and sporadic early contractions may be Braxton hicks contractions.
Check out: The Early Labor Signs You Need to Know
Still, it is better to be cautious! Call your OB or midwife right away if you have any unusual symptoms during your pregnancy.
What Are Phthalates?
As mentioned, phthalates are toxic chemicals. Phthalates may be present in products like:
- Nail polish
- Cosmetics
- Lubricating oils
- Vinyl flooring
- Soaps
- Shampoos
- Hair sprays
- Hair dyes
- Plastic packing (phthalates can make plastic soft and flexible)
Some Phthalate-Free Swaps
If only more companies in the United States would stop using toxic chemicals in so many products available, but until then, it’s recommended to try to select phthalate-free personal care products to reduce your exposure and decrease the risks of preterm birth.
Some non-toxic swaps to minimize your exposure to phthalates during pregnancy include:
- Mineral Fusion Nail Polish and Piggy Paint Nail Polish if you have a child who loves nail polish too!
- Honest Makeup or Mineral Fusion
- For lubricating oils, you may use Organic Coconut Oil, Sliquid Organic and Natural Intimate Lubricant, or for a silicone-based lube, try UberLube
- My DIY Handsoap Recipe (link to the first 5 things to do when going non-toxic)
- Avalon Organics Shampoo and Conditioner
More tips to avoid phthalates and toxins include:
- Always look for fragrance-free products
- Make your own DIY essential oil perfume
- Diffuser essential oils or burn beeswax candles with organic cotton wicks instead of burning other candles
- Use organic tampons, pads, or a reusable menstrual cup or disc to save money!
Check out Are Organic Tampons and Pads Really Better for You?
Additionally, check out Toxic Chemicals You Need to Avoid for Your Fertility here!
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Source:
[1] Welch BM, Keil AP, Buckley JP, Calafat AM, Christenbury KE, Engel SM, O’Brien KM, Rosen EM, James-Todd T, Zota AR, Ferguson KK, and the Pooled Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth Study Group. Associations Between Prenatal Urinary Biomarkers of Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth A Pooled Study of 16 US Cohorts. JAMA Pediatrics; doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.2252(link is external). Published online July 11, 2022.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
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