17 Jan 2022 --- Researchers at Rutgers University, US, have found that phthalates can disrupt hormone production crucial for pregnancy health. Phthalate chemicals are added to plastics, personal care products and electronics to increase flexibility.The study was among the first to examine the impact that phthalates have on the placental corticotropin releasing hormone (pCRH), produced by the placenta, and which increases throughout the course of pregnancy.“The hormone plays an important role in promoting the onset of labor, but when levels are high or rise rapidly earlier in pregnancy, it may contribute to preterm birth and fetal growth problems as well as high blood pressure, diabetes and postpartum depression,” say the researchers.
