Foetal development, pregnancy and 'in utero' studies

If the subject of a study is the foetus or the new born it should be coded as Reproductive Health and also the condition being investigated, if relevant.

If the investigation involves examining the effects of exposure to agents during pregnancy on children or adults, code the research to the condition under investigation and not to Reproductive Health.

Example: potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults as a result of maternal malnutrition should be coded 100% Cardiovascular.

Pregnancy is considered normal function and coded within the 1 Underpinning code group but investigation of factors impacting on pregnancy should be coded elsewhere.