The failure of most hospitals to offer what the NHS says is the best test for Downs is resulting in healthy foetuses dying. The most accurate test, the combined test, is only offered by one in three hospitals, while most offer tests which are more likely to provide a ‘false positive’ result. The full story can be read at The Guardian 16 May 2009

A TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association) survey of more than 1,000 women has found that mums of twins or multiples are almost twice as likely to suffer from postnatal depression. Full story at The Guardian 16 April 2009

A new study has linked taking folic acid during pregnancy to a lower risk of serious heart defects. Women are already advised to take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of spina bifida and related neural tube defects. Read the full story at The Guardian 13 May 2009

New growth charts based on breastfed babies are to be introduced to replace existing charts which are based on formula fed babies. The new charts have been developed following research by the World Health Organisation on healthy growth of breastfed babies around the world. For more visit The Telegraph 6 May 2009

Research carried out in the Netherlands has shown that for low risk women, home birth is as safe as hospital birth. The study found no difference in death rates of babies or mothers in over 500,000 births. Full story at BBC News 15 April 2009 However,the Royal College of Midwives have raised concerns in response that the NHS is geared to hospital births and is not ready to cope with the demand for increased numbers of homebirths, and that more midwives are needed. Nursing Times 15 April 2009

A new study at Kings College, London, indicates that eating during labour has no adverse effects. Doctors have been advising women not to eat since the 1940s in case a caesarean section was needed, but most caesareans are now carried out using spinal anaesthetics. Read more at RCM magazines

Plastic feeding bottles containing Bisphenol A have been withdrawn in the USA, and there have been calls for UK manufacturers to do the same. Evidence suggests Bisphenol A interferes with healthy growth and body functions.

Children born by Caesarean have an 80% increased risk of developing asthma by the age of 8, compared to vaginal birth, Dutch researchers have found. One reason could be the priming of the immune system after birth, as well as not being exposed to microbes as soon as those born vaginally. Read more on BBC health news

A new study has reinforced the risks obese women face during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight babies, diabetes and a greater probability of interventions during labour & birth. Read more at BBC health news

A charity has found that 57% of trusts in England had no staff guidance on checks at birth and 6-8 weeks. Screening is used to identify hip dysplasia which can lead to deformity and disability. In response, trusts have said a lack of policy does not mean checks are not being made. For the full story, see BBC health news