Abstract

This chapter explores the intricate link between microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), tracing the path from oceanic pollution to its implications on gestational health. We begin with a comprehensive overview of microplastics, examining their sources and their journey through the food chain. The core of the chapter focuses on the potential connections between microplastics, EDCs and GDM, reviewing evidence from animal studies to human epidemiological research. This in-depth exploration aims to inform the development of preventive measures and policy implications and also emphasizes the need for further research to safeguard maternal and fetal health.