Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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It has been suggested that oestrogens may improve fetal growth due to an increase in nutritional supply to the fetus from greater uterine blood flow. ⋯ There is not enough evidence to evaluate the clinical use of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth.
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Amodiaquine has been widely used to treat malaria. Due to reports of fatal adverse drug reactions, discontinuation or modification of its use has been suggested. ⋯ There is some evidence to support the continued use of amodiaquine in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, although drug resistance should be considered. Monitoring for toxicity should also continue.
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Betamimetic drugs may promote fetal growth by increasing the availability of nutrients and by decreasing vascular resistance. They may also induce adverse effects via their effects on carbohydrate metabolism. ⋯ There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of betamimetics in promoting fetal growth. Larger studies are needed to investigate possible adverse effects of long-term betamimetic administration.
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Vaginal candidiasis (moniliasis or thrush) is a common and frequently distressing infection for many women. It is even more common in pregnancy. ⋯ Topical imidazole appears to be more effective than nystatin for treating symptomatic vaginal candidiasis in pregnancy. Treatments for seven days may be necessary.
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To assess the effects of advising pregnant women to increase their energy and protein intakes on those intakes, on gestational weight gain, and on the outcome of pregnancy. ⋯ Nutritional advice appears effective in increasing pregnant women's energy and protein intakes, but the implications for fetal, infant, or maternal health cannot be judged from the available trials. Given the rather modest health benefits demonstrated with actual protein/energy supplementation (see the Cochrane review of 'Balanced protein/energy supplementation in pregnancy'), however, the provision of such advice is unlikely to be of major importance.