Pregnant women warned off using perfumed products

Pregnant women have been warned not to use scented creams or perfumes during the first three months of their pregnancy because they may jeopardise the future fertility of unborn boys.

The researchers from Edinburgh University say the first three months of pregnancy are vital to future fertility and perfume is a risk to unborn babies.

The researchers say a crucial window between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy determines future reproductive problems and they suggest that exposure to the chemicals found in cosmetics during this period may affect later sperm production.

The research team led by Professor Richard Sharpe of the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, say they do not as yet have conclusive proof on humans but tests on rats found perfumes blocked the action of androgens, which include male sex hormones such as testosterone.

They say experiments confirmed that if the hormones are blocked, the animals suffered fertility problems and some of the chemicals which can block the hormones are widely used in the production of items such as cosmetics, household fabrics and plastics.

Professor Sharpe says the chemicals may also increase the risk of baby boys developing other reproductive conditions in later life, including testicular cancer and he suggests that women planning on becoming pregnant should avoid putting any cosmetic products on their skin which could then be absorbed into their bodies.

The researchers say it is known that there are many compounds in perfumes in high concentrations with the potential to have biological effects and avoiding them ensures the baby is not placed at risk.

Professor Sharpe suggests that women planning to become pregnant should change their lifestyle and avoid exposure to chemicals that are present in cosmetics because animal studies suggest such chemicals could harm a baby.

Professor Sharpe will present his research this week at the Simpson Symposium in Edinburgh, a gathering of fertility experts organised by Edinburgh University.