Episode 10.5 The Dense Breast Dilemma

Howard and Antonia explore the safety of medications during pregnancy and the controversial reporting requirements for breast density on mammograms, examining how science is being overshadowed by fear-mongering in healthcare decision-making.• Examining the evidence behind avoiding fluconazole (Diflucan) in first trimester, finding that short courses likely pose minimal risk• Discussing the important distinction between possibility and probability when evaluating medication safety in pregnancy• Analyzing the wide variation in cesarean delivery rates across US counties, from 5.4% to over 53% for low-risk patients• Critiquing politically-motivated FDA actions on SSRIs, food dyes, and other health policies not supported by scientific evidence• Explaining why the FDA's requirement to notify women of dense breasts on mammograms may cause more harm than good• Demonstrating how supplemental testing for women with dense breasts leads to false positives and unnecessary procedures• Reviewing the historical development of prenatal diagnosis from early ultrasound to cell-free DNA testing00:00:33 Evidence for Diflucan in Pregnancy00:12:12 Cesarean Delivery Rates Across US Counties00:16:39 FDA's Position on SSRIs and Food Dyes00:28:46 Managing Dense Breasts in Mammography00:44:46 History of Prenatal Abnormality DiagnosisFollow us on Instagram @thinkingaboutobgyn.