Sex-specific associations of prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and its alternatives with fetal growth parameters and gestational age

Abstract Background Bisphenol A (BPA) can cause detrimental effects on fetal growth. However, the effects of BPA alternatives, such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS), on fetal growth are less known. Objective To investigate the relationships of prenatal BPA, BPF, and BPS exposures with fetal growth parameters and gestational age. Methods Urinary BPA, BPF, and BPS were measured in 1,197 pregnant women before delivery in a Chinese cohort. The associations of prenatal exposure to BPA, BPF, and BPS with fetal growth parameters and gestational age were examined, and associations stratified by fetal sex were also conducted. We used a restricted cubic splines (RCS) model to examine the dose–response associations between exposures and outcomes. Results Maternal urinary BPA and BPF were negatively related to birth length (-0.30 cm, 95% CI: −0.44, −0.15 and −0.21 cm, 95% CI: −0.36, −0.07 comparing the extreme exposure groups, respectively, both p for trends  Conclusions Prenatal BPA, BPF, and BPS exposures were associated with detrimental effects on fetal growth parameters, and stronger effects were noted in female infants.