Evidence for suboptimal use of periconceptional folic acid supplements globally.

Objective: To systematically summarise the available evidence concerning the rate of folic acid supplement use pre- and periconceptionally, to identify those characteristics associated with low rates of use and to assess whether folic acid public awareness campaigns are associated with higher folic acid use.

Design: Systematic overview.

Setting: Survey studies.

Haematological problems in pregnancy.

Purpose Of Review: Haematological disorders of pregnancy are common reasons for referral. It is reasonable then to devote a review to recent publications on these issues.

Recent Findings: Several narrative reviews on the management of venous thromboembolic disease in pregnancy provide exceptional guidance.

Prothrombin G20210A mutation is not associated with recurrent miscarriages.

Objective: To assess the association between prothrombin G20210A mutation and recurrent miscarriages.

Study Design: A literature review was performed in Medline identifying articles from 1966 to December 2000. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed and included in a meta-analysis.

Use of antihypertensive medications in pregnancy and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes: McMaster Outcome Study of Hypertension In Pregnancy 2 (MOS HIP 2).

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty remains about the potential harmful effects of antihypertensive therapy on the developing fetus, especially for beta-blockers (betab). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled all singleton women with a blood pressure >/= 140/90 mm Hg during pregnancy. The main analysis included 1948 women with all forms of hypertension and compared the use of betab drugs, non-betab drugs or a combination of both, to no treatment.