Regulator seeks information on link between birth defects and hormonal pregnancy testsThe MHRA is calling for information that will help establish whether there is a link between the hormonal pregnancy test used in the 1960s and 1970s and birth defects.…
Newborn deaths cut by cleaning umbilical stump with chlorhexidine, study finds Chlorhexidine applied to the umbilical cord of newborns reduces the risk of infection of the umbilical stump by 50% and neonatal mortality by 12%, review finds.…
Information sheet helps educate isotretinoin users about effective contraception Researchers evaluated the impact of an information sheet on contraceptive knowledge in women taking the acne drug isotretinoin.…
Study highlights growing problem of opioid withdrawal in newborns Prescribers should consider the risks of addiction and neonatal opioid withdrawal before starting opioid pain relief, particularly in women of childbearing age.…
Oestrogen receptor ligands show promise for treating endometriosis Researchers studying endometriosis have discovered a potential way to treat the disease that avoids many of the side effects seen with existing therapies.…
Women taking valproate should be told about risks of developmental disorders in offspringWomen taking valproate should be told about the risks of developmental disorders in children exposed to the drug during pregnancy, says the UK medicines regulator.…
Depot contraceptive linked to increased risk of HIV infection Analysis finds the long acting birth control injection could increase the risk of HIV infection in women, with the highest risk observed in sex workers.…
The next step for the UN’s Millennium Development Goals The UN Millennium Development Goals may have fallen short of their aims, but they have created a strong foundation for ending health inequality.…
Pregnant women at risk of mental health problems need more support, says NICE Women with a history of mental health problems should receive additional support before, during and after their pregnancy, according to new NICE guidance.…
Pregnant women warned not to stop taking prescribed drugs without medical advice Two-thirds of maternal deaths are due to an unrelated medical or mental health condition which has not been well-controlled rather than from a complication of pregnancy, says a new report.…