Are phthalates changing pregnancy hormones in moms?

What's actually in it

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics soft and flexible. You find them in everything from vinyl flooring and shower curtains to personal care products and food packaging. They aren't chemically bound to the plastic, which means they easily leach out into your environment and your body.

Once they get into your system, these chemicals don't just sit there. They act as endocrine disruptors: substances that interfere with your body's natural hormone signals. During pregnancy, your hormones are already doing the heavy lifting to support your baby. Introducing phthalates creates a chemical interference that your body isn't designed to handle.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Ecohealth found that exposure to phthalates is directly linked to alterations in reproductive hormones in pregnant women. This peer-reviewed research confirms that these common plasticizers are not just harmless additives.

When you are pregnant, your endocrine system is delicate. The science is clear that these chemicals disrupt the natural balance of hormones needed for a healthy pregnancy. By choosing to avoid products containing phthalates, you are limiting your exposure to these known disruptors.