Call for pregnant women to be included in clinical trials

Health & FitnessFamily & Parenting
18 Mar 2026 • 4:17 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The British Pharmacological Society (BPS) has called for urgent, evidence-based guidance on medication use for pregnant women and new mothers.
  • Historically, pregnant and breastfeeding women have been excluded from clinical trials, leading to significant gaps in safety and efficacy data for medicines.
  • Around 80 per cent of women in the UK use at least one medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, often making decisions without clear, balanced information.
  • Current advice frequently overemphasises medication risks, neglecting the potential harm of untreated conditions for both mother and baby.
  • The BPS recommends more inclusive research, clearer communication of risks and benefits, and improved training for healthcare professionals to address these issues.

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