PFAS compounds cross the placenta. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that maternal PFAS blood levels correlate directly with PFAS concentrations in cord blood, meaning your baby is exposed to whatever PFAS is in your body during pregnancy.
Research published in journals including Environmental Health Perspectives, The Lancet Planetary Health, and Epidemiology has associated prenatal PFAS exposure with:
None of this is meant to cause alarm. The goal is to provide you with the information to make informed decisions. PFAS elimination from your body takes years (PFOS has a half-life of 3 to 5 years), so you cannot rapidly clear existing exposure. But you can significantly reduce ongoing intake, which reduces the total burden on you and your baby.
Drinking water is the single largest controllable source of PFAS exposure for most people. This is also the source where you can make the biggest immediate impact.
If you have not already, check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for PFAS data. Check your water quality to see reported levels for your zip code. If you are on a private well, order a certified PFAS lab test ($150 to $400).
The EPA's MCLs are 4 ppt for PFOA and 4 ppt for PFOS individually, with a hazard index approach for four additional compounds (effectively about 10 ppt combined). During pregnancy, some researchers and clinicians recommend treating any detectable level as worth addressing.
For PFAS removal, the most effective household option is a reverse osmosis (RO) system installed under your kitchen sink. Quality RO systems remove 90% to 99% of PFAS compounds. Look for NSF P473 certification.
If you rent or cannot install an under-sink system, a certified pitcher filter is a practical alternative. Clearly Filtered and Epic Water Filters both carry NSF P473 certification and are available for under $100.
During pregnancy, prioritize filtering all water used for: - Drinking - Cooking (including water for boiling pasta, rice, and making soups) - Ice making - Baby formula preparation (start now so the filter is established before the baby arrives)
Some bottled water brands have been found to contain detectable PFAS. A 2020 Consumer Reports investigation found PFAS in several popular bottled water brands. A certified home filter gives you more consistent, verifiable protection than bottled water.
After water, food is the second largest PFAS exposure pathway. PFAS enters food through contaminated water used for irrigation, food packaging, and cookware.
PFAS has been used in grease-resistant food packaging for decades. Common sources include:
The FDA has been working with manufacturers to phase out certain PFAS in food packaging, but the transition is not complete. During pregnancy, consider:
Traditional nonstick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings) historically used PFOA in manufacturing. While PFOA has been phased out of production in the U.S. since 2015, replacement chemicals (like GenX) are also PFAS compounds.
Safer alternatives during pregnancy: - Cast iron - Stainless steel - Ceramic (true ceramic, not ceramic-coated nonstick) - Glass bakeware
If you currently use nonstick pans and replacing them is not feasible, avoid overheating them (PFAS coatings begin to break down above 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) and replace any pans with visible scratching or flaking.
PFAS from contaminated irrigation water or sewage sludge fertilizer can accumulate in crops and livestock. While you cannot test individual food items, these steps help reduce exposure:
PFAS is used in many consumer products for its water-resistant and stain-resistant properties.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a 2021 Committee Opinion on environmental chemical exposure during pregnancy. While it does not single out PFAS specifically, it recommends that clinicians ask patients about environmental exposures and provide guidance on reducing them.
Not all OBGYNs are familiar with PFAS-specific guidance. You may need to share published resources with your provider. The National Academies report on PFAS exposure (2022) provides clinical recommendations that your doctor can review.
First trimester (or before conception): Test your water, install a certified filter, switch to PFAS-free personal care products. The first trimester is the most critical period for thyroid hormone-dependent brain development.
Second trimester: Review food packaging habits, replace damaged nonstick cookware, discuss PFAS blood testing with your provider at your next appointment.
Third trimester: Ensure your filter is working properly (check replacement schedule), prepare for baby: filter water for formula, use glass or stainless steel bottles, choose PFAS-free baby products.
Postpartum: If breastfeeding, PFAS can pass through breast milk, but major health organizations (including the CDC and AAP) still recommend breastfeeding because the benefits outweigh the PFAS exposure risk. Continuing to filter your water reduces the PFAS concentration in breast milk over time.
Check your water quality to see reported contamination levels for your area.
Check your water now. Enter your zip code at KnowYourExposure.com to see what contaminants have been detected in your local water supply, including PFAS, lead, and other regulated compounds.