Research based on over 2.7 million UK births reveals a significant "ethnicity pain gap," showing women from black and Asian backgrounds are less likely to receive epidurals during childbirth compared to white women. Experts warn this disparity extends across healthcare, highlighting systemic issues and racialized assumptions.
The Indian government has banned 16 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of drugs, citing a lack of therapeutic justification and potential risks outweighing benefits. The prohibition, effective immediately, covers various categories including dermatological, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antibiotic formulations.
A study of supermarket data found paracetamol is the most common painkiller bought with sanitary products, but experts suggest ibuprofen may be more effective for period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Russian hospitals are using VR headsets as a non-medical pain relief method during labor, offering immersive nature scenes and guided meditations to distract patients from contractions.
