PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy and Childhood
Posted on October 14 2026
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals”, are found in more everyday products than many of us realise. From non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and cosmetics, these synthetic chemicals are designed to be durable but that also means they can persist in the environment for a very long time.
What concerns me most is the growing research into how PFAS exposure may affect our health, particularly during pregnancy and childhood, when developing bodies can be more vulnerable. While it’s almost impossible to avoid every exposure, understanding where these chemicals are found is a good place to start.
This week, I’m sharing an informative article from Waters Co that looks at what PFAS are, why they’re raising concerns for human health, and why reducing unnecessary exposure is worth thinking about.
We sell Waters Co fantastic Bio500 bench top water filter on our website, they are one way you can ensure your water is pure which can help to reduce your exposure.
From Waters Co ...
Every day, across the globe, people are unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds are found in water, food, and common household products, making them nearly impossible to avoid. Nicknamed “forever chemicals”, PFAS don’t easily break down in the environment and can accumulate over time.
Even more concerning, PFAS can linger in the human body for years, gradually building up and increasing the risk of serious long-term health issues. This persistence has made PFAS a major public health concern, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, and children.
What Are PFAS? The "Forever Chemicals" Problem
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. There are about 15,000 different types of these chemicals. Companies use them to make more durable, water- and stain-resistant products, like non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, food containers, fire-retardant foam, and makeup.
This durability comes with a cost. Today, PFAS can be found in the blood of almost every person on Earth. There is a growing concern about the impact of forever chemicals on humans. Scientists have already linked PFAS to serious health problems like cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, weak immune systems, and birth defects. The stakes become dramatically higher when considering pregnant women, infants and children because they are more vulnerable to chemical interference.
Why Pregnancy is a Critical Window for PFAS Exposure
Pregnancy is a uniquely sensitive period when exposure to any environmental chemicals can be dangerous. Alarmingly, PFAS might be the most harmful. These chemicals can pass through the placenta to reach the developing baby.
Recent research from California shows that almost every pregnant woman has PFAS in her blood. Of 302 tested blood samples, 97% had PFOS, one of the most dangerous forever chemicals. Nine different PFAS types were detected in both the mothers' blood and their babies' umbilical cord blood.
A major 2020 study focused on possible health issues of PFAS exposure during pregnancy. The results were cause for concern.
Pregnant women with forever chemicals in their blood had higher rates of:
Gestational diabetes
High blood pressure during pregnancy
Preeclampsia
Preterm birth.
Their babies were also more likely to have:
Low birth weight
Congenital disabilities
Developmental delays.
In 2022, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed 40 different studies about PFAS in umbilical cord blood. Every study found PFAS in the babies' blood.
Even worse, 16 studies showed that PFAS exposure caused harmful changes in the babies' bodies, including:
Higher cholesterol and triglycerides in newborns
Changes in bile acids that could lead to heart problems later in life
Problems with thyroid function
Disruption of healthy bacteria in the baby's gut
Growth problems.
At least 14 studies found that babies exposed to PFAS in the womb continued to have health problems as they grew up, sometimes lasting into adulthood.