Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today. In July 2020 InnovAiT gave a special issue on maternal health. The HANDI working group described the benefit of the mother’s kiss for nasal foreign bodies.
Infertility: Understanding investigation and treatment options
Dr Kirsten Lafferty, Dr Katherine Allan, Mr Sotirios Saravelos and Dr Olivia Raglan
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 394–401
Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse. In the general population 80% of couples are able to conceive within 1 year and 90% within 2 years. Couples unable to conceive often seek help first from their GPs. Infertility is highly emotive and GPs need understanding of all aspects, including the largely secondary-care-based investigations and treatment. This article reviews initial and further investigations for male and female patients, including national guidance.
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Dr Priyanka Krishnaswamy and Mr Rohit Arora
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 402–413
Early miscarriages, spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, occur in 10–20% of all pregnancies. Recurrent miscarriage, defined as the loss of three or more consecutive pregnancies, affects 1% of couples. This article considers the causes and role of GPs in investigation. About half of recurrent pregnancy losses remain unexplained.
Common symptoms in pregnancy
Dr Rebecca Cox and Ms Ingrid Granne
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 409–413
Minor problems in pregnancy are very common. This article details common symptoms and problems in pregnancy, offering advice for patients seeking help from GPs. Rashes are considered as the red flags requiring prompt referral.
Prescribing in pregnancy
Dr Katharine Allan et al.
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 414–419
This article describes the principles of safe prescribing in pregnancy for common conditions, as well as drugs to be avoided and the teratogenic effects of some.
Diet and exercise in pregnancy
Dr Chee Kuan Chuah and Dr Ebrahim Mulla
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 421–426
There is an opportunity in pregnancy to promote healthy lifestyle choices. This article reviews evidence-based advice on exercise and diet for pregnant patients.
Haematological disorders in pregnancy
Dr Musarat Tufail and Professor Stephen W Lindow
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 427–435
Physiological changes in pregnancy can affect the normal haematological parameters. This article considers causes, presentation and management of a range of haematological disorders in pregnancy, including gestational thrombocytopenia. Pregnancy is a risk factor for venous thromboembolic disease and risks can be reduced, for example by offering effective smoking cessation advice where appropriate.
Common breastfeeding problems
Dr Shailaja Anipindi, Mr Alexander Field, Ms Corinne Neville and Dr Elizabeth Field
InnovAiT 2020 13(7): 436–443
The health benefits of breastfeeding are well known and most women in the UK express a desire to breastfeed. However, by 8 weeks of age only 40% of babies are receiving breast milk. Many reasons are given for discontinuing, but timely help by GPs as part of holistic postnatal care can identify remedies for a range of problems presenting to GPs.