Welcome to the MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society
Welcome to the website of the MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society (the UK obstetric medicine society). We aim to support clinicians across all disciplines to improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers with medical problems. This website seeks to provide guidance and resources, as well as a forum for discussion to encourage the formal expansion of this exciting specialty.
We are pleased to be involved in the formation of this this information sheet alongside the RCOG, RCM and UKTIS to help inform pregnant women to whom a COVID-19 vaccine is offered!
Updated advice on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and women who are breastfeeding
Published 30/12/2020
As we see another inflection point in cases of SARS-CoV2; we have good news that the Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccination has also received MHRA approval today. This is some comfort but due to the lack of inclusion of pregnant or breastfeeding women in the vaccine trials, data is sparse as to its efficacy and safety in this vulnerable group.
As clinicians in our particular speciality we are most acutely aware that this is, again, the most exquisite of ironies – our most vulnerable women are being discouraged from being given the vaccine.
Today, however the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have also published their latest advice.
In response, MOMS together with RCOG, RCM, UKTIS, UKOSS, BMFMS and NPEU have produced a joint statement in support of COVID-19 vaccination in clinically vulnerable pregnant women.
We are responsible for ensuring our women get the right advice to make the right decision about Covid-19 vaccination.
Best wishes
Lucy Mackillop
President MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society
Updated Guidance Document on Valproate
Published 11/12/2020
Updated guidance on the prescription of valproate for female patients during childbearing years has been published this week.
The guidance has been produced to inform all healthcare professionals of best practice around the use and prescribing of valproate and to support them to navigate situations that could arise as a result of prescribing valproate to women during childbearing years, given the significant risk of birth defects and developmental disorders that can occur if it is taken during pregnancy.
First published last year, the updated guidance reflects minor changes made by the MHRA and changes to GMC decision-making guidelines, as well as updated input from all contributing organisations, to give healthcare professionals updated practical information and guidance on prescribing valproate to women with bipolar disorder or epilepsy, the only licensed indications for its use. It has been authored by Dr Judy Shakespeare FRCGP and Dr Sanjay M Sisodiya FRCP on behalf of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Association of British Neurologists and Royal College of Physicians, and endorsed by 19 other medical organisations.
We have also added this to our updated Guidelines page. Do check it out for a hub of useful guidelines as well as other useful resources on our Useful Links and Resources page!
New MOMS President
Published 19/11/2020
We are pleased to formally announce Lucy Mackillop as the new MOMS President. Looking forward to the next few years with you at the helm!
We would like to extend many thanks again to Matt Coleman for all his hard work and vision leading MOMS over the last few years.
MOMS President Expression of Interest
Published 15/10/2020
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the MOMS exec and lead the society. We would welcome expressions of interest for the position of MOMS President!
Please send a 150 word paragraph highlighting your strengths and strategic vision to lead MOMS. The closing date for expression of interests and your application is 5pm 30th October 2020.
We would like to thank Matt for the exceptional job in leading us and his contribution to developing MOMS to the society it is today.