Is prenatal BPS exposure changing future thyroid and fertility?

What's actually in it

BPS (bisphenol S) is a common replacement for BPA in plastic products. Manufacturers often label these items as BPA-free, but that doesn't mean they are safe. BPS belongs to a group of chemicals called bisphenol analogues. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body's natural hormone systems.

These chemicals don't stay in the plastic. They leach out into your food and drink, especially when heated. Once they enter your system, they can cross the placenta during pregnancy, potentially affecting the developing baby.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Res found that prenatal exposure to bisphenol analogues changes how genes related to thyroid hormones work. These changes happen through a process called DNA methylation, which can alter how your body regulates growth and metabolism. The study links these specific genetic changes to an increased risk of obesity in children later in life.

Other peer-reviewed research highlights the broad impact of these chemicals during pregnancy. A 2026 study in J Endocr Soc examined the link between prenatal exposure to bisphenols and gestational diabetes. The science is clear: these chemicals are not inert, and their presence during pregnancy can have lasting consequences for both parent and child.