Future Mothers Research Articles

‘Are you pregnant? If not, why not?’: artificial reproductive technology and the trauma of infertility

The article scrutinises Rohini S. Rajagopal’s work, what’s a lemon squeezer doing in my vagina (2021), to illustrate the escalating medicalisation of infertile bodies. In a cultural context where reproductive...

Pregnancy in patients affected by axial-spondyloarthritis: a narrative review of disease activity and obstetric outcomes.

This review aims to summarize the most recent and updated data on pregnancy in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), focusing on the recurrence of pregnancy-related complications, the disease activity throughout gestation and the postpartum, and the latest indications for the treatments of future mothers. We have conducted a narrative review with an online literature search on Medline and PubMed. We selected only studies written in English published until January 2024, including observational and retrospective studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. Proper preconception counseling and maternal-fetal monitoring are necessary to ensure the best outcome for both the mother and her baby. Despite the limited and conflicting evidence about the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with axSpA compared to healthy controls, primary findings demonstrate an increased risk of preterm delivery (PTD), low birth weight (LBW), and elective cesarean section (CS). Concerning disease activity, data suggests that 25-80% of women with ankylosing spondylitis experience disease flares during pregnancy, particularly around 20 weeks of gestation. On the contrary, the data on the postpartum disease flare are heterogeneous. The use of biological drugs in pregnancy is safe and effective in controlling disease activity. Data on pregnancy outcomes in patients with axSpA are scarce and discordant. Probably the difference in maternal disease classification, the evolution of treatment indications, and the differences emerging from study designs can account for these discrepancies. The main evidence shows an increased risk of PTD, LBW, and elective CS (although the latter may reflect cultural influences rather than medical needs due to axSpA itself). The majority of drugs used to treat axSpA, including TNFi, are safe in pregnancy without harming mothers or fetuses. Further data is needed to clarify many controversial aspects in this area.

Bioinformatics-based Identification of Ferroptosis-related Genes and their Diagnostic Value in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered a risk factor for heart metabolic disorder in future mothers and offspring. Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death, which may participate in the occurrence and development of GDM. This study aims to identify ferroptosis-related genes in GDM by bioinformatics methods and to explore their clinical diagnostic value. The dataset GSE103552 was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GDM. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and proteinprotein interaction (PPI) network were performed. Gene sets for ferroptosis were retrieved in MSigDB and GSVA gene set analysis was performed on the database. Finally, logistic regression was performed to differentiate between GDM patients and controls to screen for diagnostic markers. A total of 179 DEGs were identified in the expression profile of GDM. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in the TGF-β, p53 signaling pathway, platelet activation, glutathione metabolism, sensory perception of taste, and leukocyte and vascular endothelial cell migration regulation. DEGs (n = 107) associated with the ferroptosis gene set were screened by GSVA analysis. The screened DEGs for disease and DEGs for ferroptosis scores were intersected and 35 intersected genes were identified. PPI identified two key genes associated with GDM as CCNB2 and CDK1. Wilcox-test showed low expression of CCNB2 and CDK1 in GDM. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the CCNB2 and CDK1 prognostic model was 0.822. The genes associated with ferroptosis in GDM were CCNB2 and CDK1, which can be used as valid indicators for the diagnosis of GDM.

Time to recovery and its predictors among children aged 6-59 months having uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition attending an outpatient therapeutic program in Northeast Ethiopia: prospective cohort study.

There are insufficient data regarding the variables influencing recovery times, despite the accessible outpatient therapy program (OTP) bringing services for treating severe acute malnutrition (SAM) closer to the community. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing the recovery duration in children with uncomplicated SAM between the ages of 6 and 59 months who were attending an OTP in North Wollo, northern Ethiopia. From February 2021 to July 2021, 356 children, ages 6-59 months, enrolled in a facility-based prospective cohort study. An interviewer administered a semi-structured questionnaire once a week to acquire anthropometric measures. The data were imported into Stata version 14.2 for analysis from EPI data entry version 4.6.06. The time to recovery for each attribute was determined using a log-rank test, a survival curve, and a Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to recovery. The Cox Proportional-Hazards Model was used to identify independent predictors of recovery time; statistical significance was indicated at 95% CI and a p-value of 0.05. With a recovery rate of 74.7%, the median recovery period was 56 days. Frequency of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service utilization [AHR = 1.622 (95% CI: 1.052-2.130)], cough [AHR = 0.385 (95% CI: 0.176-0.843)], maternal delivery at health center [AHR = 1.448 (95% CI: 1.023-2.050)], and maternal literacy [AHR = 1.445 (95% CI: 1.019-2.058)] were determinants of time to recovery. The median recovery period was 56 days with a recovery rate of 74.7%. Regular utilization of GMP services, maternal delivery at the health center, and cough at admission were independent predictors for this study. As a result, there should be a greater emphasis on the importance of girls' (future mothers') education and nutrition counseling, particularly the integration of GMP service components into institutional delivery/for girls/women who have received little education on how to improve time to recovery and the success of the OTP.

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Rural Pregnant Women of Tamilnadu: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness serve as valuable tactics for enhancing the provision of maternal and child care services, consequently reducing morbidity and mortality associated with childbirth. Anticipating childbirth and possessing prior awareness of potential complications enables women to access services promptly. Methods: In 2022, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 480 pregnant women. Data on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) were gathered using a pretested and standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS version 20. The questionnaire encompassed inquiries regarding birth preparedness, such as the selection of a health facility, designation of a birth attendant, arrangement for transportation, securing a blood donor, and whether the woman had saved money for delivery. Complication readiness was assessed through questions concerning complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the neonatal period. Results: Out of the 480 pregnant women included in the study, 30.8% were classified as belonging to the upper middle class. Additionally, 55% of the participants had experienced multiple pregnancies, while 74.2% were identified as being in their third trimester. Furthermore, 70% of the women had undergone their initial Antenatal Care (ANC) checkup before reaching 12 weeks of gestation. Despite these demographics, the study found a general lack of awareness regarding Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) among the participants. Conclusion: The study indicates a low level of birth preparedness and complication readiness within Rural Tamilnadu. To address this issue effectively, targeted health education strategies should be directed towards young couples and adolescent girls, who represent the future mothers. Implementing both individual and community-level interventions focused on birth preparedness and complication readiness has the potential to enhance maternal service delivery and ultimately reduce both morbidity and mortality rates associated with childbirth.

Adolescent Girls in Transitional Iranian Society from the Perspective of Counselors and Socio-Cultural Activists: A Thematic Analysis

ABSTRACT Adolescence is known as a sensitive and vulnerable period of human development. Given the sensitivity of this period for girls as future mothers and the importance of mental health in fulfilling the femininity and motherhood roles, it is required to attend to the psychological status of adolescent girls. Therefore, a thematic analysis-based study was conducted to explore the harms incurred to Iranian adolescent girls. The aim of this study was to discover the factors and themes that create and reveal social harm in adolescent girls. In so doing, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 counselors and socio-cultural activists. Findings revealed that seven themes play a key role in the vulnerability of adolescent girls to social harm. Because of the interaction of six causal-contextual-intervening themes with the damaged self-esteem theme, adolescent girls are more exposed to social harms. These six themes include unresolved identity challenges, emotional challenges, lack of healthy satisfaction of natural needs, adolescent age incidences, family hits, and social misalignments. Therefore, we hope that specialists closely attend to enhancing the self-esteem of Iranian adolescent girls, besides improving their social, cultural, and family environment.

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation in Patients with Hemoglobin Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.

Hemoglobin diseases like sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia (BT) present fertility challenges for affected patients. SCD and BT result from abnormal hemoglobin production or structure and pose numerous health concerns. Despite medical advancements improving the quality of life or even providing cures, SCD and BT pose unique fertility concerns for women. Young women with these disorders already contend with reduced ovarian reserve and a narrower fertile window, a situation that is compounded by the gonadotoxic effects of treatments like medications, transfusions, stem cell transplants, and gene therapy. While crucial for disease control, these interventions may lead to reproductive health issues, increasing infertility and early menopause risks. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) offers potential for future motherhood to women with hemoglobin disorders facing infertility related to curative treatments. OTC involves surgically removing, preparing, and freezing ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles capable of producing mature oocytes, offering advantages over oocyte cryopreservation alone. However, the application of OTC for patients with hemoglobin disorders presents unique challenges, including special health risks, financial barriers, and access to care. This comprehensive literature review delves into the current state of ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in patients with hemoglobin disorders. Empowering patients with informed reproductive choices in the context of their hemoglobin disorders stands as the ultimate goal.

Selected experiences of primiparous women related to childbirth as a source of information for future mothers

Selected experiences of primiparous women related to childbirth as a source of information for future mothers

A lifelong smile: a journey that begins during pregnancy!

It has become clear that pregnant women have a high risk of developing oral diseases, both in the supporting tissues and in the teeth. This is precisely why the first meeting between the dentist and the mother-to-be should take place as early as possible, either while she is still planning her pregnancy or as soon as she becomes pregnant. During this appointment it is appropriate to examine the presence of any risk factors for the future mother's oral health such as medication intake, presence of chronic pathologies or bad habits (smoking). The woman must be informed of all the changes that may occur during this period and that may negatively affect the pregnancy itself and the health (not only oral) of the foetus. At the same time, all the most important indications regarding correct oral hygiene, dietary and fluoroprophylaxis practices that all pregnant women should follow to ensure optimal oral health for themselves and their newborn child should be provided. In addition to this counselling phase, it is strictly the dentist's responsibility to proceed with the diagnostic phase, thanks to which he or she will be able to assess the woman's oral condition and, in the presence of pathological pictures, plan all the therapeutic interventions necessary to achieve a healthy condition before the beginning of such a delicate period. And why not, to lay the foundations for a life-long oral health!

О влиянии гормональной контрацепции на здоровье девушек-подростков.

The article presents an analysis of modern foreign scientific literature on the effect of hormonal contraception on the health of teenage girls; states the need to support expanded clinical research before implementing recommendations for the use of hormonal contraceptives among adolescents and to allocate funding for programs to promote, encourage, and distribute hormonal contraception among adolescents as the main means of preventing abortion. Given that WHO recognizes the lack of strong evidence of funding for programs promoting hormonal contraception promoted by international organizations, aimed primarily at the poor and marginalized sections of the population, in our country these programs should be considered unacceptable, and especially in general educational organizations. Today, more than ever, joint efforts are needed on the part of health authorities, education, family and society to promote preventive educational and health activities in order to inform adolescents about the risks of hormonal contraception on health, as well as to develop in young people a responsible attitude towards their health, starting a family and future motherhood.

Association of Pregnant Women's Perinatal Depression with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In recent decades, the incidence of depression has gradually increased in the general population globally. Depression is also common during gestation and could result in detrimental gestational complications for both the mother and the fetus. The survey presented aimed to evaluate whether pregnant women's perinatal depression could be associated with socio-demographic, anthropometry and lifestyle factors, and perinatal and postnatal outcomes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted on 5314 pregnant women. Socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were recorded by relevant questionnaires via face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric parameters were measured by qualified personnel. Perinatal depressive symptomatology status was evaluated by Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) questionnaire. Results: Depressive symptoms throughout gestation were found in 35.1% of the enrolled women. Perinatal depression was significantly associated with lower educational and economic level, pre-pregnancy regular smoking and reduced levels of Mediterranean diet adherence levels, a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes and preterm birth, as well as a higher incidence of delivering by caesarean section and abnormal childbirth weight. Perinatal depression was also significantly associated with a higher prevalence of maternal postpartum depression and lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices, as well as with a higher incidence of childhood asthma. Conclusions: Pregnant women's perinatal depression appears to be associated with various socio-demographic, anthropometry, and lifestyle characteristics and with a higher frequency of several adverse pregnancy complications. The present findings emphasize the importance of pregnant women's perinatal mental health, highlighting the need to develop and apply public strategies and policies for psychological counseling and support of future mothers to minimize probable risk factors that may trigger perinatal depression. Novel well-organized, follow-up surveys of enhanced validity are highly recommended to establish more definitive conclusions.

САМООЦЕНОЧНЫЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ПСИХОСОМАТИЧЕСКОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ БЕРЕМЕННЫХ ЖЕНЩИН С АЛЕКСИТИМИЧЕСКИМ РАДИКАЛОМ

The article presents the results of developing a methodological basis for studying the psychoemotional state of pregnant women with alexithymia. When pregnant women with a high level of alexithymia assessed their psychosomatic state, significant differences were noted in comparison with women with a low level of alexithymia in the expression of certain types of complaints about their physical state. Psychosomatic reactions were accompanied by irritability, as well as confusion of the interviewed women. Taking into account the previously obtained experimental data, a process model mediating the role of alexithymic radical in the frequency and severity of psychosomatic complaints in a future mother as self-assessment parameters of psychoemotional state was formed. The results of the study confirm the need for qualitative and purposeful work to stabilize and correct the psychological state of pregnant women with alexithymia.

An innovative mobile app for the provision of medical information and collection of safety data on exposure to medicines during pregnancy or breastfeeding: An IHI ConcePTION contribution

AbstractObjectiveTo increase the volume, quality, and comprehensiveness of pregnancy and breastfeeding reports related to medication exposure.MethodsInnovative Health Initiative (IHI) ConcePTION, in collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has developed a mobile application designed for exchange of safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The users will also be able to report medication exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, regardless of the outcome, by answering simple questions, tailored for their level of medical knowledge.ResultsThrough the first version of the app, the users will receive trusted safety information on their medication of interest, from the Health Authority (RSS feeds, tagged for ‘pregnancy’ and ‘breastfeeding’). By using the app, women and healthcare providers will also be able to help future mothers, by reporting the events they experienced following the utilization of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These will be analyzed by MHRA to further characterize the safety profiles of the medications required to be used in these situations.ConclusionCollection of pregnancy outcomes after exposure to medications during pregnancy is limited by under‐reporting and focused on reporting of harms. By developing the app, ConcePTION brings reliable safety information closer to healthcare professionals and pregnant and breastfeeding women and proposes an easy‐to‐use, general data protection regulation‐compliant, secure tool tailored for safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How Much Does SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy Affect the Neonatal Brain, Heart, and Kidney? A Parallel between COVID-19, Vaccination, and Normal Pregnancy.

During the last decades, a growing number of studies have shown that infections during pregnancy have an important impact on both pregnant women and their fetuses. Our goal was to include newborns from pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection and to investigate the extension of neonatal complications using cardiac, abdominal, and cerebral ultrasonography; hearing testing; and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Likewise, neonates whose mothers were vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy and those from pathology-free pregnancies were examined. A total of 458 mother-newborn dyads were included over a period of 10 months and divided into three groups: the COVID-19 group, vaccine group, and control group. Although six cardiac malformations were found in the COVID-19 group, no correlation was made compared to the vaccine and control group (p = 0.07). Grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were the most prevalent among neonates from mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). The kidney anomaly found to be most frequent in this group was grade 1 unilateral hydronephrosis (p < 0.001). COVID-19 disease during the gestational period had no effect on the auditory or visual function. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing proper infection control practices for future mothers, and by continuing to investigate this topic, we can gather valuable insights that will improve neonatal health in this context.

Physical Activity in Work and Leisure Time during Pregnancy, and Its Influence on Maternal Health and Perinatal Outcomes

Background: Physical inactivity during pregnancy has been shown to be linked to an increased risk of complications. However, during pregnancy, doubts arise about what type, intensity and frequency of physical activity are most recommended. Objective: Our main objective was to know the level of physical activity (PA) and sedentary lifestyle in a representative sample of pregnant women in Málaga, one of the most populated cities in Spain. Also, we aimed to find out the effects of PA on obstetric and perinatal outcomes and on the mental health of pregnant women, differentiated according to PA intensity and domain. Methods: Five hundred and forty full-term pregnant women who had their obstetric checks in the maternity ward of the Regional University Hospital of Málaga were recruited through consecutive sampling. Participants answered a questionnaire that included the WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and some other sociodemographic and health-related questions. Subsequently, information about perinatal outcomes was obtained after birth. Results: Only 50.8% of women followed the WHO recommendations on activity. We found a high proportion of obese pregnant women and a direct effect of a sedentary lifestyle on the rate of cesarean sections and vulvovaginal tears in spontaneous births, as well as on the mental health of future mothers. Women’s age, the number of children, BMI at the beginning of pregnancy and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) explained anxiety scores, and age, LTPA, BMI at the end of pregnancy and intense work-related physical activity (WTPA) predicted depression scores. Conclusions: LTPA improves obstetric outcomes, helping to reduce the rate of cesarean sections and vulvovaginal tears, as well as reducing prenatal anxiety and depression.

Penyuluhan Skrining Anemia dan Pemberian Tablet Fe pada Remaja di SMP 4 Menggala

Anemia is a condition where the hemoglobin level in the blood is less than the normal level. Adolescent girls are at high risk of anemia, because during this period there is an increased need for iron due to growth and mensturation. School activities and high extracurricular activities will have an impact on irregular eating patterns, besides the habit of consuming drinks that inhibit iron absorption will affect one's hemoglobin levels. Adolescent girls are required to take Blood Addition Tablets because they experience menstruation every month. Blood Add Tablet is useful to replace iron lost due to menstruation and to fulfill iron needs that have not been fulfilled from food. Iron in adolescent girls is also useful for improving learning concentration, maintaining fitness and preventing anemia in future mothers. The implementation of this community service activity was held at SMP 4 Tulang Bawang Regency on January 14, 2024. Participants who took part in the education "Counseling on Anemia Screening and Providing Fe Tablets to Adolescents" were 20 junior high school students from SMP 4 menggala. Based on the counseling care carried out, it is known that knowledge about anemia in adolescents, the average knowledge before is 50.5 and after is 87.5, it can be seen that there is an effect of the counseling provided, from counseling it is also seen that the mean difference is 37%. The p-value = 0.000 (p-value &lt; α = 0.05) means that there is an effect of counseling on knowledge about anemia in adolescents.

A quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls at selected schools in Madurai district

Adolescence is indeed a transitional phase of growth and development that occurs between childhood and adulthood, typically spanning from 10 to 19 years of age, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). During this period, individuals undergo rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes, which can influence their emotions, thoughts, decision-making abilities, and interactions with the world. It is worth noting that psychological factors, including anxiety and anger, may contribute to dysmenorrheal problems, which are painful menstrual cramps. However, as women age, dysmenorrheal often decreases and may completely resolve after childbirth. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching program in improving knowledge about dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. By implementing this program, researchers seek to measure the impact it has on enhancing the understanding and awareness of dysmenorrhea among this specific population. The evaluation will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of structured teaching in improving knowledge about dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.In a quasi-experimental research study conducted in the Madurai district, a one-group pre-test and post-test design was utilized. A simple random sample of 40 adolescent girls participated in the study. A structured teaching program was implemented, covering all aspects of dysmenorrhea. The knowledge of the adolescent girls was assessed both immediately before and a week after the structured teaching program. The results of the study indicated that the majority of the adolescent girls (47%) were 14 years old, and a significant proportion (62%) had no prior information about dysmenorrhea. In the pre-test, all of the adolescent girls (100%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding dysmenorrhea. However, in the post-test, 80% of the participants showed adequate knowledge, while 20% had moderate knowledge on the subject. The paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge from the pre-test (10.3 ± 2.87) to the post-test (41.17 ± 8.75) (p &amp;#60; 0.05), indicating that the structured teaching program was effective in enhancing knowledge about dysmenorrhea among the adolescent girls in the study. The present study concludes that recently dysmenorrhea is a quite common problem all over the world affecting the quality of life of women significantly. Despite the growing awareness, there remains a considerable deficiency of knowledge on causes, treatment, and home remedies of dysmenorrhea. Further research is required for a large population including women from various backgrounds to better assess and strategize to manage this rising problem. It will help future mothers to take care of them during menstruation, and they will educate the future generation regarding dysmenorrhea.

Could the Marriage of a Female Educator Be Grounds for Dismissal? Opinions of Educational Institution Administrators at Kyiv Educational District in the Early 20th Century

Gender inequality shapes the study of women’s professional activities in the modern era. The aim of the article is to elucidate the positions of educational institution administrators within the Kyiv educational district regarding the (in)advisability of female educators continuing to work after marriage, based on a survey of 1903 respondents. The investigation methods include content analysis and the achievements of gender studies. It was established that approximately a quarter of the administrators fully supported the ministry’s proposal to dismiss married female educators, while 32,4% cautioned against unconditional legislative action in this area, and 43,2% outright opposed its practical feasibility. Dominant markers of the image of the female educator included professional-functional, moral-ethical, family-marital, and economic aspects, which, depending on the administrators’ positions, acquired corresponding arguments and conclusions. The functional dichotomy of a married educator between professional duties and family obligations was perceived both by the majority of administrators and categorically rejected by some of them. The study justifies the change in attitude towards the potential reproductive capacity of female employees in official correspondence. It was revealed that the natural conditions of female educators, resulting from childbirth, no longer concerned a significant portion of educational institution administrators. Some have advocated for the necessity of social guarantees for female employees as future mothers. The perception of women’s emancipation is supported by the thesis that the qualification of female educators was determined not by their marital status, but by their individual qualities. This deepens the notion of equality of rights and responsibilities among individuals tasked with teaching, regardless of gender.

A rare case of alpha-methyldopa-induced hepatitis in pregnancy

Introduction. There are three groups of disorders during pregnancy: disorders specific for pregnancy that resolve spontaneously or soon after delivery, acute hepatic disorders coinciding with pregnancy, and chronic disorders. Drug-induced liver disease prevails among women and it is estimated to be a leading cause of acute liver injury. Drug-induced hepatitis is rare in pregnancy with only a few cases reported in literature. Alpha-methyldopa is one of the commonly used drugs in pregnancy that could cause hepatotoxicity with different clinical presentations and possible adverse effects on normal course of pregnancy. Case outline. We reported a rare case of hepatotoxicity caused by alpha-methyldopa in 26 gestational weeks pregnancy in a 35-year-old patient admitted because of jaundice and elevated liver function tests. She had been using antihypertensive drug, alpha-methyldopa, from 12th gestational week, and no other medication or supplementation was recorded. Ultrasound of the abdomen excluded obstruction or any other abnormalities. Autoimmune panel was done. Biochemical analyses were indicative of toxic acute liver injury caused by alpha-methyldopa according to values of transaminase. After 13 days, patient was discharged recovered from the hospital. Conclusion. Diagnosis of alpha-methyldopa hepatotoxicity is challenging since the low incidence, unpredictability, diverse symptomatology and absence of specific biomarkers. That is why timely diagnosis is crucial for the well-being of both future mother and child.

Empowering Thinking and Moral Formation in Muslim Women Through the Philosophical Inquiry (PI) Approach

Philosophical inquiry (PI) is one of the approaches educators employ to help develop thinking skills and moral education among students so that they can understand their goals and the purpose of life in this world. Meanwhile, much has been said about the social problems involving Muslim women in Malaysia which are due to the lack of thinking skills and religious understanding. For this reason, this study attempts to highlight the PI method which integrates the Socratic questioning approach to help address the issue and lead to moral formation. This would allow women to explore their thoughts and generate rational ideas and choices to achieve understanding and sound judgments (hikmah) and finally empower them in executing their roles and tasks as Muslimah who hold the responsibility as daughters and sisters who will be future wives and mothers in the society, and carry out their Amanah as the Khalifah of Allah in this world.