Clothing Chemicals Linked to Higher Gestational Diabetes Risk in Pregnant Women

A new study links common clothing and plastic chemicals to increased gestational diabetes risk, especially in women carrying boys. Among 607 pregnant women in San Francisco, exposure to o-anisidine—a dye chemical—was tied to an 18% higher risk for those with male fetuses. Melamine, found in plastics and detected in all urine samples, was linked to an 8% increased risk.

Women facing high stress or discrimination saw their odds jump by 41% and 133%, respectively. Gestational diabetes can lead to long-term health issues for both mother and child.

The findings raise concern over widespread exposure to unregulated chemicals like o-anisidine and melamine, known to disrupt hormones and cause oxidative stress. They also highlight how environmental toxins and social stressors together intensify health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations during pregnancy.

01-07-2025