Pregnancy, obstetrics, breastfeeding, gynaecology

Using opioids during early pregnancy not linked to increased risk of congenital malformations, study finds

However, researchers estimated that there were 4–5 additional cases of cleft palate per 10,000 pregnancies exposed to opioids in the first trimester.…

Macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy not associated with increased risk of major birth defects, study suggests

A cohort study found no significant association between use of macrolides during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects.…

Nearly 200 women were prescribed valproate during pregnancy between April 2018 and September 2020

Despite a reduction in females prescribed the anti-epileptic medicine valproate over a 2.5 year period, 180 were prescribed the medicine during one or more months of their pregnancy.…

Some antiepileptic drugs are safer than others for use during pregnancy, MHRA review concludes

Two antiepileptic drugs, lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are safer to take in pregnancy than others, a safety review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has found.…

Narcolepsy medicine linked to increased risk of birth defects, warns medicines regulator

Narcolepsy medicine modafinil should not be taken during pregnancy owing to an increased risk of congenital malformations.…

Valproate for treatment of bipolar disorder to be ‘reconsidered’ by MHRA

The use of valproate in the treatment of bipolar disorder in women who can have children is to be “reconsidered” by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.…

Valproic acid use during pregnancy associated with elevated risk of autism and ADHD, study suggests

Women who take valproic acid for epilepsy while pregnant are twice as likely to have children with autism spectrum disorder, a study has suggested.…

Change of guidance needed for management of missed miscarriage, researchers say

Researchers are calling for a change to national guidance after a study suggests that combination treatment could increase the chance of resolution after a missed miscarriage.…

Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy may impair child’s cognitive outcomes

Children born to mothers who drink alcohol during their pregnancy are more likely to have impaired cognitive abilities, such as reduced academic performance, later in life, according to the findings of a systematic review in the International Journal of Epidemiology.…

Warnings over macrolides in early pregnancy after research shows risk of birth defects

Macrolide antibiotics should be used “with caution” in early pregnancy, researchers who found an associated increased risk of major birth defects have warned.…