Do PFAS cross the placenta to your baby?
Yes. A 2026 mother-infant study found PFAS in maternal blood, cord blood, and both sides of the placenta. Higher prenatal PFAS was linked with glucose changes and reduced postnatal growth.
What's actually in it
PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They can be used for water, grease, stain, and heat resistance. People can be exposed through contaminated water, grease-resistant food packaging, some textiles, and some nonstick cookware.
During pregnancy, PFAS in the mother's body can reach the baby. The placenta lowers many risks, but it does not fully block PFAS.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Environmental Science & Technology measured 16 PFAS in 102 mother-infant pairs. All 16 PFAS were detected in maternal serum, cord serum, and both maternal and fetal placental surfaces.
The study found average transfer efficiencies of 45% from maternal blood to cord blood and 73% from maternal blood to the fetal placental surface. Several PFAS had transfer efficiencies above 100%.
Higher prenatal PFAS was also linked with higher maternal, fetal, and newborn glucose and reduced postnatal growth through 12 months. This does not prove that one product causes harm. It does support lowering avoidable PFAS exposure before and during pregnancy.
For the kitchen, stainless steel, cast iron, glass, and ceramic are better choices than PFAS-treated nonstick pans or grease-resistant packaging when you can choose.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS Across the Placenta and Its Potential Impact on Glucose Imbalance and Infant Growth. | Environ Sci Technol | 2026 |