Doctors are urging pregnant women in Barking and Dagenham to use common sense when looking after themselves.

Their call comes at a time when concerns are being raised about the products that mums-to-be should avoid, with air fresheners, freshly painted rooms and newly purchased cars added to the list.

The same caution is suggested for packaging materials used for moisturisers, sunscreens and shower gels.

But family doctors are clear that the best thing that women can do while pregnant remains the same - make sure you are healthy, eat heathily, do not smoke and avoid alcohol.

Dr Waseem Mohi, chair of the Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Reports on pregnancy come and go all the time in the media but the central advice is really just common sense.

“Avoiding chemicals such as pesticides and fungicides is a good idea but simply stopping using any hand creams or shower gels is not the answer.

“The NHS is here to help so if you find out you are pregnant, book an appointment early on with local maternity services so you can start planning for your care, get a vital 13 week scan and discuss the type of birth you want.”