"Expectant and breastfeeding mothers should not routinely be screened for high lead levels in their blood, a leading group of U.S. physicians said Monday."

"However, the new recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) say doctors should ask women a series of questions to see if they might be at risk for high lead exposure.

If that's the case, a blood test for the heavy metal should be carried out, according to ACOG, so that precautionary steps can be taken if necessary."

Frederik Joelving reports for Reuters July 23, 2012. [2]