BPA and BPS Found in Newborns' First Stool

Researchers tested newborns' first bowel movement and found BPA, BPS, and parabens already in their bodies. These chemicals crossed the placenta and were there from birth.

Chemicals in Meconium

A 2026 pilot study in J Endocr Soc tested meconium (the first stool after birth) from 22 baby boys for BPA, BPS, BPF, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Six of the babies had hypospadias, a birth defect where the urethral opening is in the wrong position.

BPA concentrations were higher in babies with hypospadias compared to those without. Higher BPA was also linked to shorter anogenital distance. Both BPA and BPS were connected to shorter penile length.

What This Tells Us

These endocrine-disrupting chemicals cross the placenta during the exact window when a baby's urogenital system is developing. The presence of these chemicals in meconium confirms that whatever the mother is exposed to during pregnancy reaches the baby.

The sample size was small (22 babies), so the findings need larger studies to confirm. But the pattern is consistent with what other research has shown: BPA and BPS interfere with hormone signaling during fetal development.

How to Reduce Exposure During Pregnancy

Avoid canned foods with epoxy linings. Don't microwave food in plastic. Skip thermal receipt paper. Choose glass or stainless steel for food storage. "BPA-free" plastics often contain BPS or BPF, which may be just as harmful. Browse non-toxic baby products for safer alternatives from day one.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Tillotson CV, et al. (2026). J Endocr Soc.