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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di2-ethylhexyl Phthalate on Metabolite Production

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di2-ethylhexyl Phthalate on Metabolite Production

Published on: June 2, 2023

Environmental phthalate exposure and preterm birth.

Kelly K Ferguson¹, Thomas F McElrath², John D Meeker¹

¹Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor.

JAMA Pediatrics

|November 20, 2013

Summary

Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth. Reducing maternal phthalate exposure is crucial for preventing premature births and improving neonatal outcomes.

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Published on: November 20, 2015

Area of Science:

Environmental Health
Reproductive Health
Neonatal Health

Background:

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal mortality.
Environmental exposures, like phthalates, are understudied risk factors.
Phthalate diesters are common in consumer products, leading to widespread exposure in pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between phthalate exposure during pregnancy and preterm birth.
To analyze specific phthalate metabolites and their relation to gestational age.

Main Methods:

Nested case-control study at Brigham and Women's Hospital (2006-2008).
Included 130 preterm birth cases and 352 controls.
Analyzed urine samples from up to 3 points during pregnancy for phthalate metabolite levels.

Main Results:

Significantly higher levels of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (MEHP, MECPP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) in preterm birth cases.
Adjusted models showed increased odds of preterm birth associated with MEHP, MECPP, and ΣDEHP metabolites.
Specific metabolites (MEHP, MECPP, ΣDEHP, MBP) were linked to elevated odds of spontaneous preterm birth.

Conclusions:

Maternal exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is significantly associated with increased odds of preterm delivery.
Findings highlight the need to reduce phthalate exposure in pregnant populations.
Environmental phthalate exposure is a modifiable risk factor for preterm birth.