During pregnancy, your body passes many substances directly to your developing baby through the placenta. Several common chemicals found in food, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and everyday plastics can interfere with fetal development, particularly during the first trimester when organs are forming. The good news: once you know what to look for, most of these exposures are straightforward to reduce.
Phthalates in Plastics and Personal Care Products
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to help fragrances last longer. You’ll find them in vinyl flooring, food packaging, shower curtains, and a wide range of cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos. On ingredient labels, they sometimes appear as “fragrance” or “parfum,” since manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the specific chemicals that make up a scent.
These chemicals cross the placenta and can reach the fetus directly. The window between roughly weeks 5 and 18 of pregnancy is especially sensitive, because that’s when the reproductive system is forming. Phthalate exposure during this period has been linked to disrupted hormone signaling and altered development of the reproductive tract, particularly in male fetuses. Longer term, prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with fertility problems and hormonal disorders in both sexes.
To cut your exposure, look for products labeled “phthalate-free” or “fragrance-free.” Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, and swap plastic food storage for glass or stainless steel when possible.
BPA in Food Containers and Receipts
Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in hard polycarbonate plastics, the lining of some canned foods, and thermal paper receipts. Like phthalates, it mimics estrogen and crosses the placenta easily. A systematic review of prenatal BPA exposure found consistent negative effects on the brain development of children aged 2 to 5, including hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, depression, attention problems, and sleep difficulties. The effects showed up differently by sex: girls showed reduced emotional control and weaker language and problem-solving skills, while boys had lower motor development scores.
Reducing BPA exposure means choosing cans labeled “BPA-free,” avoiding plastic containers marked with recycling code 7 (which often contain BPA), and declining paper receipts when you don’t need them. Be aware that some BPA replacements like BPS and BPF may carry similar risks, so glass and stainless steel remain the safest options for food and drink.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are used in nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some food packaging like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers. They’re called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment or in your body.
Prenatal PFAS exposure has been associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Research from the LIFECODES cohort found that higher blood concentrations of certain PFAS in early pregnancy were associated with greater odds of late-onset preeclampsia. Avoiding nonstick pans (use cast iron or stainless steel instead), filtering your drinking water with a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system rated for PFAS, and skipping stain-resistant treatments on furniture and carpets are the most effective steps you can take.
Lead and Other Heavy Metals
Lead exposure during pregnancy can harm fetal brain development and increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The CDC’s current blood lead reference value for pregnant women is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, meaning levels at or above that threshold trigger medical follow-up. There is no known safe level of lead exposure during pregnancy.
Common sources include older homes with lead paint (built before 1978), aging plumbing with lead pipes or solder, certain imported ceramics and cookware, and some traditional remedies and cosmetics. If you live in an older home, let cold water run for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking, and avoid disturbing peeling paint. Mercury is another heavy metal to watch for: large predatory fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish concentrate mercury at levels that can harm a developing brain. Stick to lower-mercury options like salmon, shrimp, sardines, and tilapia, aiming for two to three servings per week to get the nutritional benefits of fish without the risk.
Pesticides, Especially Organophosphates
Organophosphate pesticides deserve special attention. These are widely used in agriculture and were originally licensed before human toxicity testing was required. Prenatal exposure has been linked to a troubling range of developmental effects: abnormal reflexes in newborns, mental and motor delays in preschoolers, and measurable drops in IQ, working memory, processing speed, and verbal comprehension in school-age children. One study found that living near agricultural organophosphate use during fetal development was associated with reduced IQ at age 7. Higher cord blood levels of chlorpyrifos, one of the most commonly used organophosphates, were linked to arm tremors in children at age 11.
The practical steps here are buying organic produce when you can (especially for items on the “Dirty Dozen” list that tend to carry more residue), washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoiding pesticide use in and around your home during pregnancy. If your home needs pest treatment, opt for non-chemical methods or have someone else handle it while you stay away until the area has been fully ventilated.
Retinoids in Skincare Products
Retinoids, the vitamin A derivatives found in many anti-aging and acne products, are one of the clearest skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. While systemic absorption from topical products is low, there are published case reports of birth defects consistent with retinoid embryopathy in women who used topical tretinoin during pregnancy. The pattern of defects resembles what’s seen with oral retinoid medications, which are well-established causes of serious fetal harm.
Check your skincare labels for retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. All should be discontinued before or as soon as you learn you’re pregnant. Most other topical skincare ingredients are considered low risk, with the exception of hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent), which is absorbed systemically in relatively substantial amounts and should be avoided or used very sparingly.
Cleaning Products and Solvents
Glycol ethers are industrial solvents found in many household cleaners, degreasers, and some paints. A study measuring glycol ether metabolites in pregnant women’s urine found dose-dependent increases in the risk of major birth defects, particularly oral clefts, urinary tract malformations, and male genital malformations. Limb defects were also associated with certain glycol ether exposures.
On labels, look for ingredients ending in “-oxyethanol” or “-oxyacetate,” such as 2-butoxyethanol, which is common in glass cleaners and multipurpose sprays. During pregnancy, switch to simpler cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, or products specifically marketed as free of glycol ethers and chlorinated solvents. Always clean in well-ventilated spaces, and wear gloves to reduce skin absorption.
Parabens and Triclosan in Personal Care Products
Parabens (listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) are preservatives in lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent formerly common in hand soaps, toothpaste, and deodorants. Both are endocrine disruptors that have been detected in maternal blood during pregnancy. While the FDA banned triclosan from consumer hand soaps in 2016, it still shows up in some products.
Prenatal exposure to both triclosan and parabens has been associated with changes in the child’s immune development, including increased risk of allergic disease. Choosing paraben-free products and avoiding anything labeled “antibacterial” (unless it’s alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which doesn’t contain triclosan) are simple ways to lower your exposure.
Salon Chemicals for Hairdressers and Clients
Hair dyes, straighteners, and permanent wave solutions contain a cocktail of chemicals including phenylenediamine, aminophenols, ethanolamine, ammonium hydroxide, and sodium hydroxide. Animal studies have shown some of these to be teratogenic at high doses. For women who occasionally color their hair during pregnancy, the systemic absorption from a single salon visit is very low and not considered a significant risk.
The concern is greater for hairdressers and salon workers who face daily, repeated exposure. For pregnant salon professionals, the evidence-based recommendations are clear: wear gloves for all chemical services, ensure the salon has adequate ventilation, limit work to no more than 35 hours per week, and avoid standing for prolonged periods. If you work in a salon and are planning a pregnancy, these same precautions apply.
How to Reduce Your Overall Exposure
You can’t eliminate every chemical exposure, and trying to will only add stress. Focus on the changes that make the biggest difference: switch to glass food containers, eat organic when practical, choose fragrance-free personal care products, ventilate your home when cleaning, and filter your drinking water. Read ingredient labels on skincare products and ditch anything containing retinoids or hydroquinone.
Many of these chemicals share a common trait: they disrupt the hormonal signals that guide fetal development. Because the most sensitive windows occur in the first trimester, the earlier you make these swaps the better. If you’re planning a pregnancy, starting these changes before conception gives your body time to clear some of the longer-lasting compounds like PFAS and lead from your system.