Prescribing change, expecting more
The first ever World Preeclampsia Day took place last month, with a number of maternal health organisations joining forces in a bid to raise awareness of preeclampsia as a life-threatening complication of pregnancy. Nearly 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies worldwide lose their lives to preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy every year. World Preeclampsia Day's theme – "Be prepared…
Read more > World Preeclampsia Day brings focus on maternal health
A device that could save the lives of women all over the world by treating postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has received significant funding, and could be available widely soon. The University of Liverpool in the UK has been awarded £850,000 from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to further develop the device, which could have a major global impact on…
Read more > Device that could curb maternal deaths wins funding
The staggering increase in prevalence of obesity in the Western world has been mirrored by a similar growth in maternal obesity, making it one of the most important preventable risk factors for pregnancy. In addition, a growing swell of research indicates that maternal obesity may have long-term negative impacts on a child’s development and growth. A recent study published in…
Pregnant women are “overestimating the risks” of taking over the counter and prescribed medication, according to new UK research carried out by pharmacists. The findings revealed that women are choosing not to treat common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, heartburn and aches and pains with medications. It was also seen that mothers-to-be are choosing not to take medication for urinary…
Read more > Survey reveals risks of medication in pregnancy “overestimated”
“This is the sound of my pregnancy.” There were a few slightly uneasy chuckles around the room as Katrine Moholt, Norwegian actress, fumbled around a few seconds before she played an audio file. Everyone knew what they were about to hear. Then, it came out: Gurgling. Moaning. Retching. Of course, most of us laughed – that was the expected reaction…
Read more > The uncomfortable truth about Hyperemesis Gravidarum
A good friend of mine developed appendicitis at week 17 of her pregnancy. She had an anesthetic, the appendix removed via surgery, and then she was pumped full of both IV and oral painkillers and anti-emetics. At no point during her weeklong stay in the hospital did the staff raise questions about the safety of the medications for the growing…
Read more > The stigma of taking medications for sickness in pregnancy
A normal pregnancy throws up endless questions. About what’s safe, about what’s advisable to eat or drink, what activities you can do, and what (if any) medicines you can take – and many other things too. So where do women turn? Less than a generation ago, pregnant women, and would-be pregnant women, typically turned to their mothers, close female relatives…
Read more > The Internet: a help or hindrance to high-risk pregnancies?
