pregnancy

Two mothers whose children have been affected by sodium valproate have urged the government to compensate victims

Two mothers have claimed they weren’t warned of possible birth defects after taking an epilepsy drug.

Emma Murphy was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 12 and was medicated with sodium valproate, which she used throughout her pregnancies after “no warnings” of possible harm to her unborn babies were given.

Emma’s five children have now been diagnosed with various medical conditions, including deafness and cerebral palsy. Appearing on Tuesday’s (November 3) instalment of BBC Breakfast, Emma appeared alongside Janet Williams as they urged the government to compensate families impacted by the use of sodium valproate during pregnancy.

Emma told hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent: “There were no warnings given by healthcare professionals. We were informed there was a possibility of cleft lip or palate, maybe spina bifida, but that would be picked up on any scans we had and we were reassured by that.

“But there were no warnings regarding a syndrome that it would cause autism or lifelong disability, and I have got five children affected now. It’s just completely devastating.”

Explaining how sodium valproate has affected her own five children, Emma added: “There’s a diagnosis of autism, cerebral palsy, deafness, incontinence, sensory processing disorder, language difficulties, learning disabilities, it is a huge spectrum that has completely devastated not just my family, but thousands of families in the UK.”

Sodium valproate, which is also used to treat bipolar disorder, can cause physical harm in the womb, and children can be born with a cleft palate and spina bifida, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders.

The medicine now carries warnings about use during pregnancy, with the NHS website stating: “Sodium valproate is not recommended in pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and problems with your child’s learning and behaviour. If there’s a chance you could become pregnant while taking this medicine, your doctor will enrol you on Prevent, the valproate pregnancy prevention programme.”

Mum-of-two Janet was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 16 and was also prescribed sodium valproate. However, after giving birth, her son suffered from withdrawal symptoms and was taken down to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“We knew nothing about it, we had nothing explained to us, so just him going down to NICU was a worry. They eventually explained to us about the withdrawals but nothing was said to us about the syndrome”, Janet confirmed.

When she welcomed her second son into the world, she was met with the same heartbreak as he was also taken down to NICU as he suffered from withdrawals.

Janet later received a letter confirming it was the Epilim, which is a brand name for sodium valproate, that had caused her children to be unwell. Both sons have been diagnosed with autism.

Jon asked: “How do you know it’s the drug, Emma? There are some children who will have the conditions and symptoms that your kids have got. How do you know it is the drug that is to blame?”

Emma replied: “There is a definitive syndrome now called Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder, and we know it is that that causes this.”

She also urged Andy Burnham to meet with her and help the victims get justice and compensation. Jon pointed out that while the Prime Minister is in a position of power, there are other “scandals” including “nuclear test victims, the blood scandal, the Post Office scandal”, that also require compensation, and there is “not much money”.

Jon said: “The government says it’s working on it, there has been a huge report. They say they’re going through that, making progress but they haven’t yet made a decision on how to provide financial redress.”

Emma and Janet are both starring in the upcoming BBC documentary Mums v Big Pharma, which airs on November 9, and details a decades-long campaign by British mothers against drug companies, doctors, and the government.

The Department of Health said the Government was determined to make progress on its response to the Hughes report, adding it was clear those affected have already waited far too long for answers. A decision has not yet been made to provide financial redress, it added.

A statement from Sanofi, the pharmaceutical company behind Epilim, said: “Sanofi understand the concerns of persons affected by valproate and their families and their need to be heard. The use of valproate in pregnancy is an incredibly complex issue that involves many different parties including government, regulators, doctors and other prescribers, pharmacists, manufacturers, patients, and other people affected.

“The supply of valproate, an essential medicine used to treat serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, is subject to detailed regulatory requirements and supervision by the regulatory authority. We have provided information to the regulatory authorities, under their supervision and in accordance with their evaluation and decisions, information has been given to healthcare professionals and patients that reflect the evolution of scientific knowledge.

“We are committed to working with all concerned stakeholders to continue educating about the risks and precautions for the appropriate use of valproate.”

BBC Breakfast airs 6:30am on BBC One and iPlayer

Reality star Savannah Chrisley on Tuesday announced her pregnancy and engagement to her mystery fiancé, finally revealing that his name is Jason after months of secrecy.

“The past few years have taken me through fires I never imagined I’d have to walk through,” the “Chrisley Knows Best” star captioned an Instagram post with a video announcing the news. “Right in the middle of the heartbreak. Before all the pieces were put back together. And somehow, he began healing parts of me he never broke.

“And just when I thought my heart couldn’t hold any more love,” Chrisley continued, “God gave us our sweetest blessing yet… we’re having a BABY!”

The news comes after years of fighting on behalf of her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were jailed in 2023 for tax evasion and bank fraud. Savannah’s efforts paid off when President Trump issued pardons for them in 2025, despite their conviction for conspiring to defraud Atlanta-area banks of more than $30 million in loans by submitting false documents.

“I’m finally in my happy era. And it’s taken a lot for me to get here,” Savannah said in her podcast “Unlocked.”

“I have really struggled [with] like, ‘When’s it going to happen for me?’” she continued. “I see so many people getting married and having kids and living this picturesque lifestyle and white picket fence and all of these things. And for so long I thought like, ‘It’s just not going to happen…Mom and Dad aren’t going to be here for these moments and those moments, and maybe I’m just not going to find the right person.”

In the episode, she describes her courtship with Jason and his proposal during their visit to the Cayman Islands.

“In all the silence that I’ve been giving, I’ve been living a lot of life, and I’ve been enjoying it for myself,” she said, acknowledging there is a “huge” age gap. “That’s probably part of the reason I kept a lot of it quiet, because I know how brutal the public can be.

“It’s just such an amazing, fulfilling feeling to finally find your person, and I’m there,” she continued. “So, yes, the age difference. So what? I don’t care. Let me tell you, he does not look his age, nor does he act his age. His body is great. His mind is even sharper. So, I really don’t care. OK? This person is the love of my life, and it made all the heartbreak that I’ve gone through worth it.”

Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt received a verdict in her murder trial in Monday night’s episode and fans were certainly divided by the trial outcome.

Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt was found not guilty of murder in Monday night’s episode of the ITV soap.

The legendary character, who has been played by Tina O’Brien since 1999, had spent time in prison awaiting trial after hitting evil Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) over the head with a metal pole. She has claimed that it was all in self-defence.

Sarah was sent back to her cell to wait, and the jury reached a verdict remarkably quickly – something which did not fill the Platts with hope. To everyone’s great surprise, Sarah was found not guilty and her family cheered as she learned she was free to go.

Sarah rushed to hug her daughter Bethany (Lucy Fallon), and David was straight on the phone to mum Gail, who now lives in France, to tell her the good news. Soon enough, Bethany was back at home reunited with her young son Harry and ex-boyfriend DC Kit Green who had taken on caregiver duties whilst she was inside.

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She proclaimed: ” I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world to be back with you all again,” unaware that daughter Bethany recently had a fling with the man who was almost her stepdad and is now pregnant. Later on, Bethany was seen preparing to call an abortion clinic.

Whilst on their own, Sarah decided to have a heart-to-heart with Kit, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and asked him for a chance to reunite. He said things were “different” now but insisted it wasn’t about his illness.

He told her: “Things are different now. We can’t. It’s about not being what I want. Just because you’re out, nothing’s changed. Stop it. Too much has happened,” and announced that he would be moving in with his long-lost mum Bernie Winter.

Taken aback by his sudden rejection, and unaware of what is really causing it, Sarah broke down in tears on the sofa.

During her time on the soap, Sarah was famously central to a teenage pregnancy storyline in 2000, was then kidnapped by an internet predator before her stepdad turned out to be a serial killer. She initially left the soap in 2007 but following her return in 2015, Sarah has helped cover up the death of her abusive ex-partner Callum Logan and then had to deal with her uncle Stephen Reid, who also turned out to be a serial killer.

Sarah’s not guilty verdict certainly caused divide amongst fans, with one fan writing on Reddit: “Anyone else disappointed by the verdict?

“Murder probably not but I don’t think Sarah deserves to get off scot free, end of the day Theo never actually touched her, we all know he probably would have, but it’s hard to defend a self defence claim when you haven’t been touched, especially when she tried to hide it, let someone else get charged etc. very least should be involuntary manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. Real world she’s never getting off with nothing.”

Another said: “I’m not disappointed Sarah got off. She’s one of my all time favorite characters,” and a third wrote: “Did anybody except anything else? She’s one of the main cast members. They weren’t going to find her guilty anyway. She has plot armour.”

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.

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BBC sitcom Daddy Issues will come to an end after the third series has aired but not before a star-studded lineup of guest stars has joined the cast for its final outing

Daddy Issues will come to an end after the third and final series has aired, the broadcaster has confirmed. The BBC Three sitcom stars Aimee Lou Wood as Gemma and David Morrissey as Malcolm, following a pregnant party girl who moves into a flat share with her recently-divorced father.

The first series aired in August 2024, and a follow-up series was broadcast in August the following years but now the third run of episodes, which is currently being filmed in Stockport, will be its last.

But the programme, which is Danielle Ward and co-written with David Reed has confirmed a string of guest stars for its final outing. Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey will be amongst those joining the cast, taking on the role of as Malcolm’s new friend Ellis.

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Shobna Gulati, best known as Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street and Anita in dinnerladies, will play new neighbour Odette whilst former Peep Show star Sophie Winkleman will play campsite owner Mary.

Sarah Hadland, best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in Miranda and for her Strictly Come Dancing stint, will be back as Rita, joining fellow returning cast members David Fynn as Derek, Taj Atwal as Cherry and Celebrity Traitors star Sharon Rooney as Catherine.

The new run of six episodes will focus on Gemma’s newfound set of calamities as she tries to settle into her new promotion at the salon whilst daughter Sadie thrives at nursery. Chaos ensues when the flat she still shares with her dad floods, and a new romance leaves her stuck in a web of lies.

Over the last few years, actress Aimee, who the BAFTA Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance after making her screen debut in Netflix hit Sex Education, has enjoyed global success with US comedy drama The White Lotus.

Through her role as Chelsea, she earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Aimee has also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live UK, starred as Sally Bowles in the West End production of Cabaret and is due to appear in a string of Hollywood films including The Beatles, Anxious People, and The Idiots.

Speaking about the series coming back, Aimee shared nothing but excitement as she expressed her joy at being part of the comedy series.

She said: “I’m so happy to be back with David and the brilliant Daddy Issues cast for one final time. Gemma and Malcolm are one of the funniest and sweetest comedy double acts on TV, and I’ve loved being a part of it.”

Meanwhile, David Morrissey added: “I love doing Daddy Issues so much, such a great cast and crew! So I’m delighted to be coming back to have more adventures with Gemma, Malcolm and the gang!”

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Ryanair and Jet2 have similar policies

Passengers flying with certain airlines including Ryanair and Jet2 will need to produce an additional document in order to be allowed to board, according to the terms and conditions outlined on both carriers’ websites.

NHS guidelines state that most women can fly safely well into their pregnancy, providing they take the necessary precautions, such as securing adequate travel insurance. It is advised that travellers ensure their policy covers all potential eventualities, including pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth, and the cost of amending the return journey date should labour occur.

While each airline has its own specific guidance, their policies concerning pregnant women flying at various stages are broadly similar. For example, beyond a certain point in their pregnancy, women travelling with Ryanair and Jet2 will be required to produce a medical document or face being refused boarding.

Ryanair

Ryanair’s guidance states that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once a pregnancy reaches week 28 “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Further details on its website add: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”

Jet2

Jet2’s policy echoes this, and reads: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).

“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”

easyJet

easyJet’s guidance is comparable, noting “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” while adding: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.

“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.

Expectant mothers wishing to travel with an infant on their lap are permitted to do so.