Fig. 1
From: Endocrine disrupting chemicals: gestational diabetes and beyond
The various EDCs and their impact on pregnant women. EDCs can affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and cause thyroid dysfunction, which in turn results in beta-cell dysfunction, impaired glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance among pregnant women. When the mother is exposed to EDCs, she can transfer them to the fetus via the placenta, which is one of the contributing factors for fetal growth restriction and preterm birth, as well as later development of cardiovascular and other metabolic disorders in exposed offspring. [EDC = Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical; BPA = Bisphenol A; PFAS = Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances; TSH = Thyroid stimulating hormone; TRH = Thyroid reducing hormone]