Pregnancy: Drugs

Health written question – answered am ar 17 Gorffennaf 2013.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Kate Green Kate Green Shadow Minister (Equalities)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason pre-conception counselling for women of child-bearing age taking anti-convulsant medication recommended in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines is not being provided across the board within the UK.

Photo of Norman Lamb Norman Lamb The Minister of State, Department of Health

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced clinical guidelines which sit alongside the Quality and Outcomes Framework on the prescribing of anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy. The guidance can be found at:

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG137

NICE clinical guidelines are based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence and are developed through wide consultation with stakeholders. They represent best practice but implementation in England is not mandatory for the national health service. The adoption of NICE clinical guidelines in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved administrations.

The NICE guidelines on the prescribing of anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy contains detailed information on counselling prior to pregnancy and recommends referral to a specialist if required for further advice. NHS England has advised that they would expect clinicians to follow NICE guidance.

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