Why pregnant women shouldn't use antibacterial soap

Children could become fat if their mother used antibacterial soap during pregnancy, a new study warns.

Full of one toxic chemical, scientists found exposure to the contaminant in the womb can make youngsters obese.

In studies on mice, they showed female offspring to weigh 11 per cent more. Males were 8 per cent heavier on average.

The chemical, called triclocarban (TCC), is passed through both the placenta and through breastfeeding, trials suggest.

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California, said everyday exposure could also lead to 'irreversible' damage in vital organs.

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