New Study Finds Glyphosate Exposure Reduces Pregnancy Term

A full-term baby is born after 40 weeks of pregnancy. 280 days of gestation is considered normal, but studies have found variances of up to 37 days in length amongst participants.((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777570/)) Furthermore, the March of Dimes found pregnancy length has shortened by a week in just one decade.((https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20060323/typical-pregnancy-now-39-weeks-not-40#1)) This change is associated with medical interventions; however, new research has found shortened gestational lengths overall.

What Are the Concerns with Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the most common herbicide used in the world.((https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-018-0367-0)) It’s impact on human health is a concern and has been linked to a variety of illnesses and disease.

Glyphosate’s Effect on Human Health

The use of glyphosate is so prevalent that about half a pound of the herbicide is used on each acre of cultivated land worldwide.((https://usrtk.org/pesticides/glyphosate-health-concerns-about-most-widely-used-pesticide/))It’s found in human blood, breast milk, and urine.

In fact, the amount of glyphosate in American’s urine is 10 times higher than Europe.((https://www.momsacrossamerica.com/glyphosate_testing_results))

Glyphosate Exposure Reduces Pregnancy Term

The Study

A new study was the first of its kind to examine the effects of glyphosate exposure and gestation.((https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-018-0367-0)) Researchers collected data of 71 women living in central Indiana. They measure glyphosate levels in their urine and water sources. None of the drinking water samples had measurable glyphosate levels; however, 93% of the women studied had detectable levels. Women living in rural areas had higher levels, as did those that consumed caffeinated beverages.

The Results

Higher GLY urine levels were significantly correlated with shortened gestational lengths (r = − 0.28, p = 0.02).((https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-018-0367-0))

Earlier gestation increases the risks for mother and child. This study adds to the growing list of concerns regarding glyphosate and human health.