Top in women’s health: Antiseizure drugs tied to autism; Barbie spurs gynecology interest

In a population-based cohort study, prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications was associated with a risk for autism spectrum disorder in children.

However, some of the associations between antiseizure medications and ASD weakened after researchers adjusted for treatment indication.

The study results suggested there was no substantial increase in the risk for ASD in children born to mothers who were exposed to topiramate or lamotrigine, but there was a dose-dependent increased risk associated with exposure to valproate.

It was the top story in women’s health last week.

In another top story, results from a cross-sectional study showed that online searches related to gynecology increased after the Barbie movie’s release, possibly because of the film’s closing line.

Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:

Childhood autism may be linked to prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication

Autism spectrum disorder incidence was higher for children with prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications vs. the general population, but some associations weakened after adjusting for treatment indication, according to a cohort study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more.

Online searches reveal Barbie movie may have spurred interest in gynecology

The Barbie movie may have increased women’s interest in seeking a gynecologist, which highlights the influence popular movies have on health literacy and awareness, according to study results published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

FDA approves first oral dissolvable birth control pill

The FDA approved the first orally disintegrating birth control pill for people who have difficulty swallowing their medication, the agency announced in a press release. Read more.

Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy tied to risk for ocular issues in offspring

Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with increased risk for overall and type-specific strabismus, including exophoria and intermittent exotropia, in offspring at age 3 years, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

US pregnancy-related deaths caused by hemorrhage frequent, vary by race, ethnicity

Pregnancy-related deaths with an underlying cause of hemorrhage continue to be frequent, with the most common hemorrhage subclassifications varying by race and ethnicity, according to a research letter published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Read more.