Low cost antenatal ultrasound imaging possible now

Low cost design makes ultrasound imaging affordable to the world – An ultra-low cost scanner that can be plugged into any computer or laptop to reveal vital information about the unborn child has been developed by engineers at Newcastle University, UK.

Misoprostol not effective in women during labor

No evidence that drug used for preventing life-threatening bleeding in women during labor works — Rethinking WHO guidance: review of evidence for misoprostol use in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage – There is insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of a drug that is being used increasingly to prevent life-threatening bleeding in women after giving birth in community settings in low income countries.

Polycystic ovary syndrome linked to pregnancy complications

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome at increased risk of pregnancy complications – Hormonal Disorder Linked to Pregnancy Complications – Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to have problems with pregnancy regardless of whether they are undergoing fertility treatment, claims new research published on bmj.com today.

IUD following abortion likely to prevent unintended pregnancy

Immediate use of an IUD following abortion more likely to prevent unintended pregnancies — Study finds women who are asked to make an appointment for a later date may not return, are at higher risk for another unintended pregnancy – Immediate use of any contraceptive method after abortion has been linked to a reduced risk of repeat abortion with the immediate use of an IUD being the most effective method for reducing the risk for another unintended pregnancy. IUDs are found safe and highly effective.

Half of all children with autism wander and bolt from safe places

Interactive Autism Network releases findings on critical safety issue, launches new research survey on pregnancy – The Interactive Autism Network (IAN), reveals the preliminary results of the first major survey on wandering and elopement among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and announces the launch of a new research survey on the association between pregnancy factors and ASD.

Fetal surgery better in treating children with spina bifida

Fetal surgery, pioneered at UCSF, is more effective than operating after birth – Thirty years ago, the first human fetal surgery was performed at the University of California, San Francisco. Now, a randomized controlled trial has proven definitively that fetal surgery can help certain patients before birth.

Recurrent miscarriage raises heart attack risk

Recurrent miscarriage raises heart attack risk fivefold in later life — Pregnancy loss and risk of cardiovascular disease: A prospective population-based cohort study (EPIC-Heidelberg) – Recurrent miscarriage increases a woman’s chance of having a heart attack fivefold in later life, indicates research published online in the journal Heart.

Maternal deaths worldwide drop by third i.e. 34 percent

UN estimates reveal fewer women dying from pregnancy-related causes, but 1000 still die a day and more needs to be done to achieve set targets – The number of women dying due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth has decreased by 34% from an estimated 546 000 in 1990 to 358 000 in 2008, according to a new report, Trends in maternal mortality, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Bank.

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