Prenatal exposure to
endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from
personal care products may be associated with birth outcomes including
preterm birth and low birth weight. There is limited research examining the role of
personal care product use during pregnancy on birth outcomes. Our pilot study consisted of 164 participants in the Environmental Reproductive and
Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) study (Boston, MA), with data on self-reported
personal care product use at four study visits throughout pregnancy (product use in the 48 h before a study visit and hair product use in the month before a study visit). We used covariate-adjusted linear regression models to estimate differences in mean gestational age at delivery, birth length, and sex-specific
birth weight-for-gestational age (BW-for-GA) Z-score based on
personal care product use. Hair product use in the past month prior to certain study visits was associated with decreased mean sex-specific BW-for-GA Z-scores. Notably, hair oil use in the month prior to study visit 1 was associated with a lower mean BW-for-GA Z-score (V1: -0.71, 95% confidence interval: -1.12, -0.29) compared to non-use. Across all study visits (V1-V4), increased mean birth length was observed among nail polish users vs. non-users. In comparison, decreased mean birth length was observed among shave cream users vs. non-users. Liquid
soap, shampoo, and conditioner use at certain study visits were significantly associated with higher mean birth length. Suggestive associations were observed across study visits for other products including hair gel/spray with BW-for-GA Z-score and liquid/bar
soap with gestational age. Overall, use of a variety of
personal care products throughout pregnancy was observed to be associated with our birth outcomes of interest, notably hair oil use during early pregnancy. These findings may help inform future interventions/clinical recommendations to reduce exposures linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.