A recent study published in the open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety has found that women exposed to pesticides face a 41 percent higher risk of spontaneous abortion compared to those with minimal or no exposure.
It found that exposure to organophosphate pesticides was the most common exposure type, though the study examined various pesticide classes. (Related: 70% of pregnant women in Indiana have herbicide linked to cancer in their urine.)
The comprehensive review, analyzing data from 18 studies across the United States and Italy, included 439,097 pregnant women aged 16 and older.
Though scientists and researchers are not completely certain as to why exposure to pesticides contributes to miscarriage, they believe that contact with pesticide chemicals causes oxidative stress, inflammation and even endocrine function disruption.
Scientists say pesticides are especially threatening to fetuses as their bodies are small, vulnerable and highly sensitive while developing in the womb. The harmful chemicals within pesticides are capable of crossing the placenta that connects the fetus to the mother’s uterine wall. It is during and after this chemical crossover period that the developing fetus is harmed. The harm involves differentiation, cellular division and developmental problems.
Environmental toxins can harm fetal health during pregnancy. Common sources include consumer product chemicals, alcohol, tobacco and heavy metals – all of which increase miscarriage risk.
Pesticides pose one of the most serious risks during pregnancy. Organic food researchers advise that pregnant women choose organic produce when possible, especially for foods known to have high pesticide residues.
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