Are PFAS during pregnancy tied to gestational diabetes?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals often called forever chemicals because they don't break down in the environment or your body. They are used to make products water, stain, and grease-resistant.

These chemicals can build up in your blood during pregnancy. According to a 2026 systematic review in Environ Res, these substances have been found in human milk and are known to cross the placenta. This means your developing baby is exposed to the same chemicals circulating in your bloodstream.

What the research says

The link between these chemicals and blood sugar issues is becoming clearer. A 2026 study in Diabetes Care specifically investigated the connection between PFAS exposure during pregnancy and the development of gestational diabetes within a large cohort of mothers.

Further evidence supports the idea that these substances disrupt normal metabolic processes. A 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol explored the risk of gestational diabetes within the TRAEC framework, confirming that exposure to these chemicals is a factor in rising rates of metabolic complications during pregnancy.

Beyond diabetes, these chemicals also impact how your body manages weight. A 2026 study in Int J Hyg Environ Health found a connection between serum concentrations of PFAS during pregnancy and gestational weight gain, which is another critical factor in pregnancy health.