Doireann Garrihy says she was almost ‘outed’ before announcing her pregnancy

Doireann Garrihy is pregnant with her first child

The mum-to-be said waiting rooms in maternity hospitals should have signs that say it is a "confidential place."

Her suggestion comes after Doireann revealed someone messaged her after spotting her in a maternity hospital.

Speaking on the Doireann and Friends podcast, she said one of her followers messaged her before she made her announcement.

"When I hadn't announced I was pregnant, one person kept writing to me on Instagram saying 'I think you have news for your followers'."

"So when I got that message, my brain went into overdrive and I just thought, 'I've been seen in the hospital, I look pregnant, who have I said it to that has maybe said to someone else?'

"And this wasn't like a faceless account, it was a totally normal woman in her 40s," Doireann added.

Her sister Ailbhe admitted she doesn't "know what goes through people's minds to send that."

Doireann agreed, "Exactly, this is the thing. You've had experiences like this before, too, when people have been like, 'Oh yeah, I knew', and you have no idea how they knew or found out. Surely women need to understand to just say nothing."

Doireann also pointed out that there are so many reasons why you may be in a maternity hospital.

"That is what I don't get, there are many reasons why a woman might find themselves in a maternity hospital. It doesn't automatically mean you are expecting."

In an update on her Instagram, Doireann called on maternity hospitals to make a change.

"Since this week’s episode, so many have shared stories about being “outed” by someone who spotted them in a maternity hospital.

"I think it is so wrong and wonder if some sort of etiquette should be formally introduced."

The radio host confirmed she was pregnant with her first child in April.