Eating Fast Food During Pregnancy Increases Health Risks for Fetus, Study Finds
Pregnancy is a time when women are advised to prioritize their health and make conscious choices about their diet. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Washington School of Medicine has shed light on the potential dangers of consuming fast food during pregnancy. The study reveals that not only do these foods pose a risk due to their high calorie and greasy nature, but they also contain harmful chemicals known as phthalates.
Phthalates are commonly found in fast food wrappers and plastic gloves used by workers. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including autism, ADHD, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The study found that when pregnant women consume fast food, these harmful microsized plasticizers can enter their bloodstream and cross the placenta, reaching the fetus.
Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a pediatrician at UW Medicine and senior author of the study, explains the significance of this finding. “When moms are exposed to this chemical, it can cross the placenta and go into fetal circulation,” she says. This means that the fetus is directly exposed to the harmful effects of phthalates, which can have long-lasting consequences on their health.
The study involved 1,031 pregnant women who were studied during the second trimester of their pregnancies. Researchers discovered that those who consumed a higher amount of ultra-processed foods had a higher concentration of phthalates in their system. Surprisingly, it’s not just the typical fast food items like fries and burgers that pose a risk. Cake mixes were also found to contain these harmful chemicals.
Brennan Baker, one of the researchers involved in the study, emphasizes that the blame should not be placed on pregnant individuals. Instead, he calls for action from manufacturers and legislators to provide safer alternatives in food handling and packaging. “We need to call out manufacturers and legislators to offer replacements [in food handling and packaging], and ones that may not be even more harmful,” Baker states.
As a result of these findings, Dr. Sathyanarayana advises pregnant women to avoid fast food and processed foods as much as possible. Instead, she suggests opting for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and organic breakfast bars made with ingredients like dates rather than fats and sugars. She also emphasizes the importance of reading ingredient labels and choosing products with fewer ingredients that are easily understandable.
In addition to the risks associated with consuming fast food during pregnancy, unrelated research has found that boys born to obese mothers have a higher risk of developing diabetes. This further highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy.
Overall, this study serves as a wake-up call for pregnant women and society as a whole. It highlights the potential dangers of consuming fast food and processed foods during pregnancy and emphasizes the need for safer alternatives. By making informed choices about their diet, pregnant women can prioritize the health and well-being of their unborn child.
