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. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BPA and why should I be concerned about it when trying to conceive?

BPA (bisphenol-A) is a chemical found in many plastics and canned food linings that can have weak hormone-like effects in the body. Research suggests that high levels of BPA might be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, particularly in women who have experienced fertility difficulties or previous pregnancy losses. Whilst the evidence is not yet conclusive, many couples who are TTC choose to reduce their BPA exposure as a precautionary measure.

How can I reduce my BPA exposure while trying to get pregnant in the UK?

You can minimise BPA exposure by avoiding plastic containers marked with recycling codes 3 or 7, choosing fresh or frozen foods over tinned alternatives, and using glass or stainless steel containers for food storage. Opt for BPA-free water bottles and avoid heating food in plastic containers. The NHS recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle when trying to conceive, and reducing exposure to environmental chemicals can be part of this approach.

Should I ask my GP about BPA testing if I've had recurrent miscarriages?

Currently, BPA testing is not a standard part of NHS investigations for recurrent miscarriage. According to NICE guidelines, couples are typically offered investigations after three consecutive miscarriages, which focus on known causes such as chromosomal abnormalities, blood clotting disorders, and uterine abnormalities. However, you can discuss your concerns about environmental chemical exposure with your GP or fertility specialist, who may offer lifestyle advice to help reduce potential risks.

Does the NHS recognise BPA as a cause of fertility problems?

The NHS does not currently list BPA as a confirmed cause of fertility problems, as the research is still emerging and not yet conclusive. However, organisations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine have called for greater attention to environmental chemicals and their potential effects on pregnancy. With 1 in 7 UK couples experiencing fertility issues, researchers continu

e to investigate various environmental factors that may play a role.

Will reducing BPA exposure help me get pregnant faster?

Whilst there is no guarantee that reducing BPA exposure will improve your chances of conception, limiting your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is considered a sensible precaution when trying to conceive. The NHS recommends focusing on proven fertility-boosting measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, taking folic acid supplements, reducing alcohol intake, and stopping smoking. Reducing chemical exposure can be part of an overall healthy lifestyle approach to optimising your fertility.

Are certain women more at risk from BPA exposure during pregnancy?

The study mentioned suggests that women with a history of infertility or miscarriage may be more vulnerable to the potential effects of high BPA levels. Women in the highest quarter of BPA exposure had an 80 percent greater risk of miscarriage compared to those with the lowest levels. If you have experienced recurrent miscarriages or have been referred for fertility treatment on the NHS, it may be worth discussing environmental factors with your specialist.

What should I do if I'm worried about chemical exposure affecting my fertility?

If you're concerned about how environmental chemicals might be affecting your ability to conceive, speak with your GP who can provide advice and, if appropriate, refer you to a fertility specialist. The HFEA recommends that couples who have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success should seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider can help you focus on evidence-based steps to improve your fertility whilst you take sensible precautions to reduce unnecessary chemical exposures.