Can prenatal PFAS exposure from nonstick cookware affect birth weight and newborn health?

What's actually in it

PFAS cross the placenta continuously throughout pregnancy. They're found in cord blood at delivery. PFAS interfere with thyroid hormones, growth hormone signaling, and insulin-like growth factor pathways, all of which regulate fetal growth during the third trimester when most birth weight is gained.

Birth weight is one of the most closely watched indicators of newborn health. Lower birth weight is associated with higher risk of infant health problems and longer-term metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.

What the research says

A 2026 study on prenatal PFAS exposure and neonatal birth outcomes found that higher maternal PFAS levels during pregnancy were associated with lower birth weight, shorter gestational length, and altered birth anthropometric measures. The effect was present for multiple PFAS compounds and was dose-related.

Earlier research from multiple cohorts around the world found the same pattern. The 2026 study adds to a large, consistent body of evidence. PFAS appear to suppress the hormonal and growth factor signaling that drives the final weeks of fetal growth.

Reducing PFAS exposure before and during pregnancy, particularly by replacing nonstick cookware, filtering water, and avoiding PFAS-treated food packaging, is the most direct way to lower the PFAS transferred to the fetus.