# Maternal phthalate exposure, gestational length, and preterm birth risk: a prospective cohort study nested within a randomised trial

## TL;DR

This study found no link between maternal exposure to phthalates and preterm birth or shorter pregnancies in an Australian cohort.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence from an Australian cohort on the lack of association between maternal phthalate exposure and gestational length.

## Key findings

- Phthalate metabolites were detected in over 99% of urine samples, with MEP, MiBP, and MBP having the highest concentrations.
- No significant association was found between phthalate exposure and gestational length or preterm birth risk.
- The findings suggest that maternal phthalate exposure may not be a major contributor to preterm birth in this population.

## Abstract

Preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation) is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality, yet the underlying causes remain unknown in many cases. Environmental exposures, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, have been implicated in preterm birth risk. Phthalates are commonly used as plasticisers in consumer products, resulting in widespread human exposure. While some studies suggest an association between maternal phthalate exposure and reduced gestational length, findings remain inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and gestational length in an Australian pregnancy cohort.

This prospective cohort study was nested within the Omega-3 to Reduce the Incidence of Prematurity (ORIP) trial. A total of 605 women with singleton pregnancies from South Australia provided urine samples between 22- and 26-weeks’ gestation for phthalate metabolite analysis. Thirteen phthalate metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Gestational age at birth was determined from medical records. Linear regression models assessed associations between phthalate concentrations and gestational length, adjusting for maternal characteristics including age, BMI, socioeconomic status, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Phthalate metabolites were detected in > 99% of urine samples, with the highest concentrations observed for mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and mono-butyl phthalate (MBP). There was no evidence of an association between phthalate exposure and gestational length in either unadjusted or adjusted analyses. No significant association was found between phthalate exposure and preterm birth risk.

Despite widespread phthalate exposure, no clear link was identified between maternal phthalate levels and shortened gestation in this Australian cohort. However, continued surveillance is needed to monitor emerging plasticiser exposures and inform public health policies on maternal and infant health.

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12613001142729. Date of registration: 27/09/2013.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-025-07980-8.