abnormalities

Environmental pollution is a risk factor for congenital abnormalities, alongside genetics, maternal age, infection and nutrition, she says.

He would be short, could have facial abnormalities, maybe brittle bones and there was a 50% chance that he would be stillborn.

Dr Bloomer, who has been involved in academic research on foetal abnormalities, said the main stumbling block is funding earlier screening.

She returned to hospital in August 2024 for further tests, as doctors were concerned about abnormalities in her breast after a check-up.

Also in that study, infant deaths caused by congenital abnormalities increased more than overall deaths.