Chromium Exposure in Pregnancy Stunts Fetal Growth

Babies exposed to chromium in the womb are more likely to be born too small. And the effect may depend on whether the baby is a boy or a girl.

Chromium and Small-for-Gestational-Age Babies

A 2026 cross-sectional study in Biol Trace Elem Res measured urinary chromium levels in pregnant women using mass spectrometry and tracked birth outcomes. Higher chromium exposure was associated with an increased incidence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies.

SGA means the baby is born smaller than expected for its gestational age. It's linked to health problems in infancy and higher disease risk later in life.

Sex-Dependent Effects

The researchers found evidence of a sex-dependent response. Male and female fetuses may respond differently to chromium exposure during development. This fits a growing pattern in toxicology where boys and girls process chemical exposures differently in the womb.

Where Chromium Exposure Comes From

Chromium is in stainless steel cookware (especially when cooking acidic foods), leather products, contaminated drinking water near industrial sites, and some dietary supplements. Hexavalent chromium (the toxic form) is the main concern.

What Pregnant Women Can Do

Test your water if you live near industrial areas. Be cautious with stainless steel cookware and acidic foods. Avoid cheap leather goods. And choose non-toxic baby products to start reducing chemical exposure before your baby arrives.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Fang et al. (2026). Biol Trace Elem Res.