Since the industrial revolution, our environment has become increasingly more polluted and toxic. The average adult is now estimated to carry around 700 synthetic chemicals, while the average baby is born with over 200 man-made toxins in their body (Environmental Working Group). This is particularly alarming for those thinking about conception or already trying to get pregnant.
Emerging research continues to confirm what integrative practitioners have long observed in clinical practice: environmental toxins play a significant role in infertility, pregnancy loss, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
How toxins impact fertility and pregnancy
Environmental toxins can disrupt reproductive health in the following ways:
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Endocrine disruption: Many toxins mimic or block hormones, affecting menstrual cycles, ovulation, and sperm quality.
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Damage to reproductive systems: Both male and female reproductive organs can suffer direct cellular damage from chronic exposure.
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Impaired fetal viability: Toxic chemicals may reduce embryo implantation success or lead to complications in early pregnancy.
In my clinical experience, clients with unexplained infertility or hormone imbalances often experience measurable improvements in reproductive markers, like AMH, testosterone, and ovulation quality, once we reduce their toxic burden through food, personal care product swaps, and targeted supplementation.
Why toxins matter even at low levels
The developing baby is especially vulnerable to even small amounts of environmental toxins. Research shows that prenatal exposure to toxins can increase the risk of chronic conditions later in life, including:
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Obesity and type 2 diabetes
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Allergies and autoimmune disease
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Infertility and hormone imbalances
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Behavioral and mood disorders
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Neurological concerns including ADHD, autism, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s
A 2020 review confirmed that low-level, cumulative exposures, especially to phthalates, BPA, pesticides, and heavy metals, may alter fetal programming and epigenetic expression, with lifelong consequences.
Tools and resources to reduce toxin exposure
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ve gathered some of the most trusted tools and resources to help reduce environmental exposure, whether you're just getting started or are looking to take your detox efforts to the next level.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
A non-profit leading the charge on consumer awareness around chemicals in food, water, and personal care products. Their top tools include:
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Dirty Dozen & Clean 15: Updated annually, these lists identify which produce should always be purchased organic and which are safer to buy conventionally.
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Skin Deep Database: A robust search tool for rating the safety of skincare and cosmetic products.
Pro Tip from practice: Print the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list and keep it in your wallet or phone notes for grocery runs.
Local Harvest
This platform connects people with small organic and regenerative farms. Prioritizing local, seasonal, and organic produce supports both your fertility and the health of the planet.
Organic Authority
A fantastic guide for anyone wondering: What cookware should I be using? They review safe, non-toxic kitchenware brands to ensure your clean food stays clean from pan to plate.
Mamavation
Known for its rigorous testing, Mamavation investigates consumer products for hidden chemicals. Especially valuable for families, with deep dives into:
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Baby bottles and gear
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Cleaning supplies
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Bedding and mattresses
Think Dirty App
This mobile app lets you scan barcodes on personal care items and receive instant ingredient safety ratings (1-10 toxicity scale). It's a game changer for replacing shampoo, lotions, and deodorants without spending hours researching.
RELATED: Our recommended non-toxic baby and nursery products
Where to begin: Small steps for a big impact
Trying to overhaul your lifestyle all at once can be overwhelming. In practice, we encourage clients to start with one or two impactful changes:
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Use the Dirty Dozen list when grocery shopping
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Swap plastic food storage containers for glass
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Replace one daily-use cosmetic item with a clean alternative
Over time, these small shifts compound into a significantly lower toxic burden, for you and your future baby.
RELATED: 7 detox tips to improve your odds of getting pregnant
A note from WeNatal on our favorite resources for clean living
At WeNatal, we believe that detoxifying your environment is an essential part of preconception and prenatal wellness. In addition to using the tools above, targeted nutrient support plays a critical role in detoxification. Nutrients like methylated B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like zinc and selenium support your body’s natural detox pathways and hormone balance.
We’ve formulated our WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him supplements with clean, bioavailable ingredients that work in harmony with your lifestyle shifts.
Remember: This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. One clean choice at a time.
References
Dutta S, Haggerty DK, Rappolee DA, Ruden DM. Phthalate Exposure and Long-Term Epigenomic Consequences: A Review. Front Genet. 2020;11:405. Published 2020 May 6. doi:10.3389/fgene.2020.00405
Yesildemir O, Celik MN. Association between pre- and postnatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and birth and neurodevelopmental outcomes: an extensive review. Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(7):328-346. doi:10.3345/cep.2023.00941
