Can tiny plastic particles affect the placenta during pregnancy?
Plastic food containers can release tiny plastic particles. A 2026 mouse study found PLA nanoplastic particles crossed the placental barrier and affected fetal growth, so glass storage is a smart pregnancy swap.
What we know
A 2025 Food Chemistry study measured microplastics released from plastic food containers. Food type, temperature, and contact time changed how much plastic moved out of containers.
A 2026 PLOS Biology mouse study tested oligomeric lactic acid nanoplastic particles from PLA plastic. The study found these particles crossed the placental barrier, built up in fetal organs, disrupted placental blood-vessel development, and caused intrauterine growth restriction in mice.
What this means for your family
This does not prove that every plastic food container sends nanoplastics across the human placenta. The placenta study was in mice and used PLA-related particles. But pregnancy is a good time to lower plastic food contact when the swap is easy.
Glass storage is one of the simplest ways to do that.
Simple safer steps
Use glass containers for leftovers and warm food. Avoid heating food in plastic. Store oily foods in glass when possible because food type can change plastic particle release.