Pregnant women in Mexico and Spain urged to limit endocrine disruptors

Health authorities recommend that pregnant and lactating women avoid exposure to endocrine‑disrupting chemicals, which can increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, infections, miscarriage and congenital malformations. The Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition advises using glass, ceramic, steel or wood containers instead of plastics for food and drinks, especially when heating, and avoiding non‑stick cookware containing per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances (PFOS, PFOA).

Women should also reduce consumption of processed, ultra‑processed and canned foods, choose fresh seasonal produce, wash and peel fruits and vegetables to remove pesticide residues, and limit alcohol intake. Additionally, they are urged to avoid large predatory fish such as swordfish, shark, tuna and other high‑mercury species.