PFAS During Pregnancy Linked to Excess Weight Gain
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
Pregnant women with higher PFAS blood levels gained weight differently during pregnancy. And not in a good way.
PFAS and Gestational Weight
A 2026 study in Int J Hyg Environ Health measured PFAS serum concentrations during pregnancy in the Healthy Start Study and looked at associations with gestational weight gain. Higher PFAS levels were linked to altered weight gain patterns during pregnancy.
Gestational weight gain matters. Too much or too little increases risks for both mother and baby, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, large-for-gestational-age babies, and C-section delivery. If PFAS are pushing weight gain in the wrong direction, they're adding risk to an already vulnerable time.
PFAS Disrupt Metabolism During Pregnancy
Pregnancy already changes how your body handles fat, sugar, and energy. PFAS interfere with these same metabolic pathways. The chemicals disrupt thyroid function, lipid processing, and insulin sensitivity, making it harder for a pregnant woman's body to regulate weight normally.
What You Can Do
If you're pregnant or planning to be, reduce PFAS exposure. Filter your water. Ditch nonstick cookware. Avoid greasy food packaging. Browse non-toxic baby products for a cleaner pregnancy environment.