13 results

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Finds Stronger Evidence for Folic Acid Use During Pregnancy

  August 8, 2023

  Irvin Jackson

  The findings of a new study back up the recommendations of a medical task force which calls for women to take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube and other birth defects.

• Tivicay Side Effects May Increase Neural Tube Birth Defect Risks, Researchers Warn

  July 27, 2018

  Martha Garcia

  A new study warns that the use of Tivicay, an HIV antiretroviral drug, may increase the risk of neural tube defects when taken by pregnant women before or early in their pregnancy.

• Birth Defect Risks May Be Impacted by Wide Use of Opioid Painkillers Among Reproductive Women: CDC

  January 28, 2015

  Irvin Jackson

  The CDC warns that a quarter to a third of reproductive-age women in the U.S. use painkillers, putting themselves at an increased risk of having a child with birth defects.

• Neural Tube Birth Defects Declining in Face of Folic Acid Push: CDC

  January 19, 2015

  Irvin Jackson

  A new report indicates that neural tube birth defect rates have declined as more pregnant women have been prescribed folic acid supplements.

• Depakote Pregnancy Risks Leads EMA to Recommend Restrictions

  October 16, 2014

  Irvin Jackson

  European health officials are calling for restrictions and more education on the risk of Depakote birth defects.

• Pregnant Women Near Fracking Wells Face Birth Defect Risks: Study

  September 9, 2014

  Irvin Jackson

  A new study raises further concerns about the safety of living near hydraulic fracturing wells, suggesting that there may be a link between fracking and birth defects for children born in the area.

• High Rate of Unexplained Birth Defects Continue In Washington State

  April 25, 2014

  Irvin Jackson

  A cluster of rare and deadly birth defects continue to go unexplained in part of Washington state.

• Washington Neural Tube Birth Defect Cluster Stump Investigators

  February 18, 2014

  Irvin Jackson

  Investigators say they cannot find a cause for a cluster of birth defects in a part of Washington state. Critics say they did not investigate thoroughly enough.

• Washington Neural Tube Defect Cluster Investigated By CDC

  September 18, 2013

  Irvin Jackson

  A cluster of neural tube defect births in Washington state is under investigation by the CDC, which has yet been unable to find a cause.

• Study Highlights Birth Defect Risk with Oxycontin, Vicodin, Other Opioids

  September 12, 2013

  Irvin Jackson

  A new study finds that use of some powerful opioid painkillers during pregnancy could double the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida, for babies.