Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy and Fetal Development: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern because of its potential to impair human health,
particularly with regard to fetal development. However, the origins of prenatal MP exposure and its effects
on fetal development have not been well studied. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the
literature regarding the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development.
PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 2010 until
March 2024. Original publications exploring the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal
development were included in the study. After selecting papers, two independent reviewers extracted data
regarding study characteristics, microplastics identified, and reproductive impacts. The quality of studies
was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute
(JBI). Twelve studies, including 234 subjects, were selected from a total of 2,809 citations for the final
qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2021 and 2024, and most were conducted in China. The
results of the included studies confirmed the existence of microplastics with varying sizes (2.1 to 100
micrometers) in the placenta and the fetal body. Studies revealed correlations between lifestyle choices and
the presence of microplastics in the placenta. They also reported correlations between the level of
microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birthweights, affected gestational age, and fetal
growth and development. Microplastics may be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy.
Nonetheless, more thorough research is required to comprehend the impact of microplastic exposure on
pregnancy and fetal development.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern because of its potential to impair human health,
particularly with regard to fetal development. However, the origins of prenatal MP exposure and its effects
on fetal development have not been well studied. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the
literature regarding the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development.
PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 2010 until
March 2024. Original publications exploring the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal
development were included in the study. After selecting papers, two independent reviewers extracted data
regarding study characteristics, microplastics identified, and reproductive impacts. The quality of studies
was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute
(JBI). Twelve studies, including 234 subjects, were selected from a total of 2,809 citations for the final
qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2021 and 2024, and most were conducted in China. The
results of the included studies confirmed the existence of microplastics with varying sizes (2.1 to 100
micrometers) in the placenta and the fetal body. Studies revealed correlations between lifestyle choices and
the presence of microplastics in the placenta. They also reported correlations between the level of
microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birthweights, affected gestational age, and fetal
growth and development. Microplastics may be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy.
Nonetheless, more thorough research is required to comprehend the impact of microplastic exposure on
pregnancy and fetal development.