A mother's view: New advice on 'chemical exposures' is scary

Library picture of a pregnant woman Credit: Katie Collins/PA Wire

I'm expecting a baby later this month, so for the past eight months I have been watching what I eat, trying to keep as fit and healthy as possible and doing my best to keep on top of the latest medical advice.

There is a lot of information out there. Although a lot of it is helpful, a lot of it is contradictory and a lot of it is confusing, especially to first-time mums.

This morning the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has said that "mothers-to-be should be aware of unintentional chemical exposures".

Highlighted among these "exposures" are shower gel, moisturisers and sunscreen, as well as perhaps more obvious products like paint fumes and pesticides.

New cars, tinned fruit and vegetables, and non-stick frying pans are also on the list.

Read the full list of everyday items here.

Mumsnet co-founder and CEO Justine Roberts has described the report as "bamboozling":

Experts who have written the paper for the RCOG point out that such risks from everyday products during pregnancy are unproven, but advise women to take a "safety first" approach.

They also say exposure to considerable amounts of environmental chemicals has been linked to adverse health effects in women and children, including pre-term birth, low birth weight, congenital defects, pregnancy loss as well as impairment of fertility.

Reading that as someone who is due to give birth in a matter of weeks is, quite frankly, scary.

After taking some time to look deeper into this, my own view is that if you are pregnant and have any concerns you should talk to your midwife or GP to put it all into perspective.

The RCOG wants to raise the issue that pregnant women should be aware of exposure to chemicals in everyday products, but I'm sure the experts don't want the important things like stopping smoking and avoiding or cutting down on alcohol to be eclipsed by concerns over sitting in a friend's new car or decorating the baby's nursery.

The advice has been described a 'bamboozling' by some Credit: PA

The National Childbirth Trust responded to the report saying:

So is this latest advice needlessly scaring women and distracting from the arguably more important health issues, or is it welcome advice as to what expectant mothers should be wary of?

Let me know your thoughts via Twitter - @FayeBarker - or by emailing yourstory@itn.co.uk and we may use some of your comments on today's ITV News at 1:30.