Pregnant women exposed to a common weed killer face a higher risk of preterm birth, according to research from NYU Langone Health released July 22, 2026.
Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is one of the leading causes of infant health complications and long-term developmental issues. Researchers at NYU Langone Health examined the relationship between herbicide exposure during pregnancy and birth outcomes, finding that exposure was associated with an increased likelihood of early delivery.
The study adds to a growing body of research examining how environmental chemical exposure affects pregnancy. Herbicides are widely used in agriculture and in residential settings, meaning exposure is not limited to farmworkers. Many pregnant women may encounter weed killers through food, water, or direct contact without being aware of the potential risk.
NYU Langone Health did not specify in the announcement which herbicide was the focus of the study, but research into weed killer exposure during pregnancy has often examined glyphosate and related compounds, which are among the most commonly used herbicides in the United States. Studies on these compounds and reproductive outcomes have produced varying results, making each new investigation relevant to the ongoing scientific discussion.
The findings were published as part of NYU Langone Health's ongoing research into environmental factors that affect maternal and infant health. Researchers did not offer specific recommendations for pregnant individuals in the announcement, but the study contributes data that physicians and public health officials may use when advising patients about environmental exposures during pregnancy.
The research is part of a wider effort to understand how everyday chemical exposures interact with prenatal health. Preterm birth affects roughly one in ten pregnancies in the United States each year, according to federal health statistics, making any modifiable risk factor a significant area of study.
