Study ties chemical to possible miscarriage risk
The Associated Press
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 | 9:31 p.m.
New research suggests that high levels of BPA, a chemical in many plastics and canned food linings, might raise the risk of miscarriage in women prone to that problem or having trouble getting pregnant.
The work is not nearly enough to prove a link, but it adds to "the biological plausibility" that BPA might affect fertility and other aspects of health, said Dr. Linda Giudice, a California biochemist who is president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The study was to be presented Monday at the group's annual conference in Boston. Last month, ASRM and an obstetricians group urged more attention to environmental chemicals and their potential hazards for pregnant women.
BPA, short for bisphenol-A, and certain other environmental chemicals can have very weak, hormone-like effects. Tests show BPA in nearly everyone's urine, though the chemical has been removed from baby bottles and many reusable drink containers in recent years. The federal Food and Drug Administration says BPA is safe as used now in other food containers.
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Most miscarriages are due to egg or chromosome problems, and a study in mice suggested BPA might influence that risk, said Dr. Ruth Lathi, a Stanford University reproductive endocrinologist.
With a federal grant, she and other researchers studied 115 newly pregnant women with a history of infertility or miscarriage; 68 wound up having miscarriages and 47 had live births.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from when the women were discovered to be pregnant and divided them into four groups based on BPA levels. Women in the top quarter had an 80 percent greater risk of miscarriage compared to those in the bottom group even though they were similar in age and other factors.
However, because the study is relatively small, there was a big range of possible risk _ from only slightly elevated to as much as 10 times higher.
"It may be that women with higher BPA levels do have other risk factors" for miscarriage that might be amplified by BPA, Lathi said. The study is not cause for alarm, but "it's far from reassuring that BPA is safe" for such women, she said.
To minimize BPA exposure, avoid cooking or warming food in plastic because heat helps the chemical leak out, she said. Don't leave water bottles in the sun, limit use of canned foods and avoid handling cash register receipts, which often are coated with resins that contain BPA. "It's impossible to avoid it completely," Lathi said.
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Shop Now →What is BPA and where is it commonly found?
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a chemical used in many plastics and food/beverage can linings that can leach into food and drinks. Tests show that BPA is present in the urine of nearly everyone in the United States, though it has been removed from baby bottles and many reusable drink containers in recent years. The FDA currently states that BPA is safe as used in food containers, though ongoing research continues to examine its health effects.
How does BPA potentially affect fertility and pregnancy?
BPA can have weak hormone-like effects in the body, which may influence egg and chromosome development—key factors in miscarriage risk. A Stanford study of 115 women with infertility or miscarriage history found that those with the highest BPA levels had an 80% greater risk of miscarriage compared to those with the lowest levels. However, researchers note that more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism and confirm causation.
Should I be concerned about this BPA study if I'm trying to conceive?
While the research adds to our understanding of potential environmental factors in miscarriage risk, Dr. Lathi emphasized the study is not cause for alarm. The study was relatively small with a wide range of possible risk levels, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that most miscarriages result from egg or chromosome problems rather than environmental factors alone. If you have a history of miscarriage or infertility, discussing BPA exposure with your reproductive endocrinologist can help you make informed decisions.
What practical steps can I take to reduce BPA exposure?
To minimize BPA exposure, avoid cooking or warming food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave where heat increases leaching. Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food storage and heating when possible. When purchasing canned goods, look for products in BPA-free packaging, and consider reducing overall consumption of canned foods as an additional precaution.
Is the FDA regulating BPA for pregnant women or women trying to conceive?
The FDA maintains that BPA is safe
What were the key findings of the Stanford BPA miscarriage study?
Researchers studied 115 women with histories of infertility or miscarriage, tracking BPA levels in blood samples taken at the time of pregnancy detection. Women in the highest BPA quartile had an 80% greater miscarriage risk compared to those in the lowest quartile, even when accounting for age and other factors. The researchers noted that the study's small size meant there was a wide range of possible risk estimates, highlighting the need for larger follow-up studies to confirm these findings.
Should I get BPA levels tested if I'm experiencing recurrent miscarriages?
While this research suggests a potential link between high BPA exposure and miscarriage risk in susceptible women, BPA testing is not yet a standard part of miscarriage evaluation in most US fertility clinics. If you're experiencing recurrent miscarriage, your reproductive endocrinologist will typically investigate other proven causes first, including chromosomal abnormalities, uterine factors, and hormonal issues. You can discuss environmental exposure reduction as part of a comprehensive approach to optimizing your fertility health.
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