# Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Fetal Weight: Exposure Monitoring Among Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Their Fetuses

## TL;DR

This study examines how endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect fetal weight in pregnancies with gestational diabetes, finding mixed effects from lifestyle changes.

## Contribution

The study reveals that GDM-related lifestyle changes reduce fetal exposure to some EDCs but may increase susceptibility to obesogenic effects.

## Key findings

- Maternal urine and cord blood levels of BPA and MEP were significantly correlated.
- Cord blood BPA levels were lower in GDM mothers due to dietary interventions.
- Maternal BPA levels in GDM pregnancies were positively associated with fetal birthweight.

## Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) requires lifestyle changes that may alter exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study aimed to assess maternal and fetal exposure to EDCs—including bisphenol-A (BPA), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their association with fetal birthweight. Maternal urine (second and third trimester) and paired cord blood samples were analyzed from 58 GDM and 118 non-GDM pregnancies using UPLC-MS/MS. Significant correlations were found between maternal urine and cord blood levels of BPA and MEP. Cord blood BPA levels were significantly lower in GDM mothers (0.35 vs. 0.72 μg/L, p < 0.05), suggesting reduced exposure due to dietary interventions. However, maternal urinary BPA levels in GDM pregnancies were positively associated with fetal birthweight (β = 2.69, p < 0.05), indicating increased susceptibility to obesogenic effects. PFOA was present in all cord blood but only 41% of maternal urine samples. These findings underscore the dual impact of GDM-related lifestyle changes: reduced EDC transfer to the fetus, yet persistent metabolic vulnerability.