Breast cancer in pregnancy.

Breast cancer in pregnancy is rare with an incidence of 1:3,000 to 1:10,000 and is the second most common after cervical cancer. The outlook for such patients is less favourable than that of non- pregnant women probably because the stage of the disease is more advanced when it is discovered and also due to delay in therapy. The need for prompt treatment presents a clinical dilemma of considerable magnitude as there is always a conflict between optimal maternal therapy and the resultant risks imposed on fetal well-being. In the absence of a standardised protocol for management, this review focuses on the issues of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in pregnancy. Relevant current literature using Medline search strategy was examined.

Awareness of correct use of a seatbelt among pregnant women and health professionals: a multicentric survey.

A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine if pregnant women and healthcare professionals were aware of the correct use of a seatbelt and if advice was given. A total of 154 pregnant women and 56 health professionals were included in the study. A total of 115 (74.6 %) pregnant women wore seatbelts as drivers; 51 (33.1%) women were concerned about wearing the seatbelt in pregnancy; eight (14.2 %) received advice from health professionals. Incorrect positioning of a seatbelt was indicated by 67 (43.5 %) pregnant women and nine (16 %) health professionals. The majority of the doctors and community midwives advised women on seatbelt use only if asked. This study shows that almost half of pregnant women are ignorant of the correct use of a seatbelt, which puts them at risk for injuries. Well-informed prenatal care providers should substantially influence the practice among pregnant women through education.