Phthalates in pregnancy: New data on reproductive development

Your baby's development is being shaped by the chemicals in your home long before they are born. A 2026 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that prenatal exposure to a mixture of phthalates and their replacements is linked to significantly altered reproductive development in infants.

Researchers tracked 563 mother-infant pairs and found that in 5-month-old females, each quartile increase in the phthalate mixture was associated with up to 39.49% less growth in anogenital distance, a key marker of hormonal health. You can read the full study here. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body's natural hormone signaling during critical windows of growth.

You cannot avoid every chemical in the world, but you can control what comes into your nursery. Start by auditing the plastic gear, soft vinyl toys, and synthetic materials surrounding your baby. We have curated a list of non-toxic baby alternatives that are free from the materials linked to these outcomes. Small, intentional swaps in your home are the most effective way to reduce your family's daily chemical burden.

Source: Cinzori ME, Ryva BA, Murphy A, Gardiner JC, Schantz SL (2026). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.