September 23, 2013

expert reaction to ASRM/ACOG committee opinion on chemicals and pregnancy

Committees at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine published an opinion document regarding toxic chemicals in the environment which may harm our ability to reproduce and negatively affect pregnancies.

Dr Allan Pacey, Fertility Expert at the University of Sheffield, said:

“It’s very important that we protect the developing foetus from inappropriate chemical exposure, but it’s also very important that we don’t scare or worry pregnant women about theoretical exposures for which we had no strong evidence of harm. It’s almost impossible to live a life which is free from man-made chemicals and whilst we need to keep this on our scientific agenda, pregnant women or those trying to conceive should discuss any concerns with the healthcare professional who is looking after their pregnancy.”

Exposure to toxic environmental agents. Committee Opinion No. 575. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2013;122:931–5.