A new study, published in Medical News Today, has revealed that being induced before the 39th week of pregnancy increases the risk of caesarian. It was found that inducing labour created 1-2 c-sections per 25 pregnancies and these could have been avoided by waiting for nature to take its course, but the study doesn't include women with scheduled or previous caesarians. The resulting recommendations are to wait for natural labour and for doctors only to intervene when the risks outweigh the benefits such as in cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, placenta problems, underdeveloped foetus' and pregnancies ten days past their due date. For more information about this issue go to http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175655.php

A new survey has revealed that almost half of all pregnant women will refuse the swine flu vaccine due to fears over it's safety. However, according to an article in The Guardian newspaper, a government health advisor has said that not only is the vaccine safe to take during pregnancy but it may also give a child a certain amount of protection against swine flu. The Director of immunisation, Dr David Salisbury, has been quoted as saying that "concerns over vaccination safety and pregnancy are theoretical with no evidence to support those concerns even for live virus vaccines". A study of 2 MILLION women who were immunised showed side effects in only 20, including 3 miscarriages, and a new advice leaflet has been drawn up for pregnant women considering having the vaccine. For more information on this story why not read the article for yourself at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/12/swine-flu-vaccine-safe-pregnancy

A recent BBC report has revealed that a screening technique can double the chances of IVF success. The findings were discussed at an annual US fertility meeting and this is the second year in row the subject has been broached. The test involves screening embryos for genetic faults and so far more than 20 babies have been born using the technique. UK researchers are now backing the method with'great confidence'. You can read this article in more depth at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8313822.stm

Following on from my last article I can now post that Britan has agreed to provide £250m towards health services in developing countries. The UK is teaming up with Australia, the Netherlands and Norway, with Britain providing almost half of the whole $1 billion to be donated. To read more on this subject visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164899.php