The researchers analysed 100 placentas from full-term births (37.2 weeks, on average) and 75 from preterm births (34 weeks) for the study.

Previous studies have shown that microplastic and nanoplastic particles can induce inflammation and other negative effects in the body.

With microplastics now permeating our food and our bodies, researchers are keen to assess the potential damage these tiny fragments could be doing.