Every day, the world of medicine moves one step forward. Compared to half a century ago, a decade ago, even a year ago, doctors have never been better informed, have more answers, and a wider range of drugs to turn to and help patients. But this pace of change hasn’t been equal for everyone. Particularly when it comes to testing…
Too scared to try?
For women with a chronic disease or condition, most assume that pregnancy is out of the question. In fact, many don’t even bother to ask their doctors – they expect a “no” before they’ve even started to ask any questions. But there’s plenty of research to suggest that these women don’t always have to be too scared to try. With…
Medication during pregnancy: a neglected area of research
Like other experts, Carl Weiner, M.D. and professor in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, states that the use of medication during pregnancy is a neglected area of research. In April 2013, he published "The Complete Guide to Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding". In an interview with the University of Kansas Medical Center, Weiner shares…
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Unplanned pregnancies: a case for clinical trials
Not every pregnancy is planned. Even for women that want to have a baby, there’s nearly always a gap between getting pregnant, and realizing that they are pregnant. So what happens to a woman in that space of time when she’s taking prescribed drugs or self-medicating for a minor illness? More often than not, doctors don’t know the answer. The…
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Brave women; brave doctors
Testing drugs on pregnant women suffering from a life-threatening disease is not an easy decision to make. It’s not just about the mother-to-be and her illness, but there’s a second life to consider. So how do doctors strike a balance between the mother’s health and the fetus’ wellbeing? It takes a brave doctor, and a brave mother-to-be, to try and…
No two are the same: a pregnancy & cancer story
Pregnancy is full of surprises. But cancer isn’t usually one of them. If every woman has a unique tale to tell when expecting a baby, Matilda Tristram has two: one about her growing child and one about the tumor that doctors discovered, didn’t expect to be cancerous, and then when it was, were unsure which course of action to take. Matilda’s story: a matter…
Mothers-to-be have questions: who knows the answers?
Pregnancy is a time of roller coaster emotions for a mother-to-be, particularly a first-timer. And these emotions bring about endless questions. But when it comes to medicine use – who are these women turning to for answers? And are women in different countries looking for help in the same places? That’s exactly what a group of academics asked themselves when…
Read more > Mothers-to-be have questions: who knows the answers?
