`Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be provided with more information on the potential risk from chemical exposures, experts today.
Dr Michelle Bellingham of Glasgow University, UK, and colleagues make their comments in a Scientific Impact Paper – Chemical exposures during pregnancy – launched by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
It may be beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women to limit exposure to certain chemicals, but currently there is no official antenatal advice on the subject.
Links have been found between high levels of some environmental chemicals and preterm birth, low birthweight, congenital defects, pregnancy loss, impaired immune development and impaired fertility. While the links have yet to be proven scientifically, potential sources of harm include herbal remedies, medicines, household cleaning products and cosmetics.
The authors point out that current laws do not require manufacturers to list all potentially harmful chemicals on packaging. They suggest avoiding paint fumes and pesticides, and only taking medicines when necessary.
"While there is no official advice on this topic available to pregnant women, there is much conflicting anecdotal evidence about environmental chemicals and their potentially adverse effects on developing babies," said Dr Bellingham.
Co-author Professor Richard Sharpe added: "For most environmental chemicals we do not know whether or not they really affect a baby’s development, and obtaining definitive guidance will take many years."
"Women with concerns about certain chemical exposures should consult their obstetrician or midwife," advised Professor Scott Nelson of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Midwives meanwhile said women should not be "unnecessarily alarmed" by the findings.
Janet Fyle, of the Royal College of Midwives, said: ”It is common sense advice, such as using fresh food rather than processed foods.
"However, pregnant women must take this advice with caution and use their common sense and judgement and not be unnecessarily alarmed about using personal care products, such as moisturisers, cosmetics and shower gels."
She added: "There needs to be more scientific and evidence-based research into the issues and concerns raised by this paper."
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