MedWorm: Midwifery

Share with women. induction of labor.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Share with women. Induction of labor.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):397-8

Authors:

PMID: 18595206 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Getting to know your journal.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Getting to know your journal.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):287-8

Authors: Likis FE

PMID: 18586180 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for women and their health care providers during the childbearing years.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Women and their Health Care Providers During the Childbearing Years.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):289-301

Authors: Allen PR

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex debilitating medical disorder that affects approximately 4 million persons in the United States, predominantly women. There has been little scientific exploration about the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period for women with this disorder. A review of the literature and current research findings addressing the epidemiology, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome are presented, as well as the currently available data regarding the experience of women with chronic fatigue syndrome anticipating or experiencing pregnancy and the postpartum period. Expert opinion is presented along with current evidence to provide guidelines for the care of women with chronic fatigue syndrome during pregnancy, labor and birth, lactation, and the postpartum period.

PMID: 18586181 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Use of the optimality index-united states in perinatal clinical research: a validation study.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Use of the optimality index-United States in perinatal clinical research: a validation study.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):302-9

Authors: Low LK, Seng JS, Miller JM

The objective of this study was to assess the validity and observed effect size of a new instrument, the Optimality Index-United States (OI-US), for use in perinatal clinical research. Using a large, hospital-based, midwifery service clinical database that included complete obstetric data for 3425 women, we examined discriminant validity and the effects of two different scoring methods used with the OI-US. Discriminant validity was confirmed by comparing OI scores for women who remained low risk and did not require physician involvement in their care (OI score mean = 84%; standard deviation [SD] = 8%) compared to those whose condition changed to require physician involvement in their care (mean = 71%; SD = 10%; P < .001). Two methods of scoring the OI-US were compared, finding no significant difference and suggesting that the types of data available and the research question can drive this decision. Finally, effect size was calculated by two methods: Cohen's d (-1.4) and the effect size correlation (r = -0.548), the latter of which corresponds to a d of -1.3, both resulting in a similarly large effect size estimation. The OI-US is a new instrument that shows promise for use in perinatal clinical research, particularly when assessing more subtle clinical differences in outcomes between study groups.

PMID: 18586182 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Functional status outcomes in mothers with and without postpartum depression.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Functional status outcomes in mothers with and without postpartum depression.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):310-8

Authors: Posmontier B

Our objective was to compare functional status between women with and without postpartum depression (PPD). A two-group cross-sectional design compared functional status between 23 women with and 23 women without PPD. Participants were 6 to 26 weeks postpartum and from obstetric practices in the northeastern United States. Structured clinical interviews were used to establish diagnoses of PPD. Participants were matched on type of delivery, weeks postpartum, and parity. Participants compared current functioning to prepregnancy functioning using the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale was used to measure PPD severity. Hierarchical multiple and logistic regression models were used to analyze data. We found that after controlling for infant gender, number of nighttime infant awakenings, and income, PPD predicted lower personal (P < .001), household (P < .05), and social functioning (P < .001), but no difference in infant care. Women with PPD were 12 times less likely to achieve prepregnancy functional levels. We conclude that interventions are needed to address household, social, and personal functioning in women with PPD. Clinicians may find functional assessment is a useful adjunct and a less threatening way to screen and monitor treatment for PPD.

PMID: 18586183 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Women's lived experience of infertility after unsuccessful medical intervention.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Women's Lived Experience of Infertility After Unsuccessful Medical Intervention.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):319-24

Authors: McCarthy MP

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the phenomenon of women's experience with infertility in the aftermath of unsuccessful medical treatment. A purposive sample of 22 women between the ages of 33 and 48 years participated in a hermeneutic-phenomenological research process and were interviewed an average of 3.9 years after unsuccessful medical treatment. Women described the existential challenges to their sense of self, their identity, and the meaning and purpose of life. The paradoxical dimensions of loss and opportunity in their experience contributed to an altered view of themselves and their world. Infertility and its role as a life-defining experience pervaded their stories of living with infertility after unsuccessful treatment. Health care professionals are advised to assess women's overall well-being, mental health status with particular attention to spiritual well-being, and their social support network as a basis for determining supportive services that may be required in the wake of unsuccessful treatment for infertility.

PMID: 18586184 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Fish consumption during pregnancy: an overview of the risks and benefits.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Fish consumption during pregnancy: an overview of the risks and benefits.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):325-30

Authors: Dovydaitis T

Evidence supports the benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy, primarily because of the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Many fish may also be potent sources of methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenol exposure, which have been shown to have severe negative impacts on both the mother and fetus. Therefore, all women of childbearing age should be informed of both the benefits and risks of fish consumption.

PMID: 18586185 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Gynecologic care of the female-to-male transgender man.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Gynecologic Care of the Female-to-Male Transgender Man.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):331-7

Authors: Dutton L, Koenig K, Fennie K

Transgender men are a vulnerable population whose health care needs have been difficult to identify because of limited research and an inability to identify the population. Limited evidence suggests that transgender men are at increased risk of having polycystic ovarian syndrome, contracting HIV, experiencing violence, and committing suicide. This qualitative study, conducted through face-to-face interviews of a convenient sample, was a three-part interview containing a demographic and health questionnaire, the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, as well as the Health Care Relationship Trust Scale. Audio recordings and written notes were reviewed and common themes were identified via content analysis. Six self-identified transgender men between the ages of 19 and 45 years were enrolled in the study. Participants were at varying degrees of social and medical transition. Four major themes were identified: 1) receiving gynecologic care was perceived to be important; 2) breasts caused the most gender identity conflict; 3) transgender men struggle with revealing their gender identity to health care providers; and 4) the male/female boxes on health intake forms, as well as pronoun usage by medical staff, were barriers to receiving health care. This gynecologic health care needs assessment of transgender men begins to characterize the barriers transgender men face when seeking health care.

PMID: 18586186 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Female adolescents' perceptions of male partners' pregnancy desire.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Female adolescents' perceptions of male partners' pregnancy desire.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):338-44

Authors: Heavey EJ, Moysich KB, Hyland A, Druschel CM, Sill MW

Our objective was to examine the relationship between pregnancy desire among female adolescents and their perception of desire for pregnancy in their male partners. This is an observational cross-sectional study which examined 92 surveys administered to adolescent women between the ages of 14 to 19 years at two obstetrical care services serving a population from limited socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were all pregnant or awaiting pregnancy test results. Participants were asked about their levels of pregnancy happiness and desire and their partners' levels of pregnancy happiness and desire. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated and discordant pairs were examined with McNemar's test. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the relationship between male and female pregnancy happiness and desire. We found that there was a significant correlation between the adolescents' feelings about pregnancy and their perceptions of their male partners' feelings about pregnancy (0.326; P = .004). McNemar's test indicated that male partners were significantly more likely to be reported to feel positively about the pregnancy than female partners (P = .017). Female adolescents who reported male partners who felt positively about the pregnancy were four times as likely to report having desired their pregnancy now or sooner (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35). We conclude that male partners may impact adolescent pregnancy desire. Further prospective studies are needed and male-focused adolescent pregnancy interventions should be developed.

PMID: 18586187 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Low maternal awareness of fetal movement is associated with small for gestational age infants.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Low Maternal Awareness of Fetal Movement is Associated With Small for Gestational Age Infants.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):345-52

Authors: Saastad E, Ahlborg T, Frøen JF

Our aim was to identify associations between information given to pregnant women about fetal activity, level of maternal awareness of fetal activity, maternal concern about decreased fetal movement, and pregnancy outcomes. This was a population-based cross-sectional study. Mothers with a singleton delivery were invited to answer an anonymous structured questionnaire before discharge from the delivery unit. Six hundred and ninety-one mothers participated (60.4% of eligible women). Women were highly aware of fetal activity. Yet, 25% did not receive any information from care providers about expected normal fetal activity. Receiving information about fetal activity was associated with increased maternal awareness (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.4). Low maternal awareness of fetal activity was associated with an increased risk of having a small for gestational age infant (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% CI, 3.5-12.3). Expectations about the normal frequency of fetal movements, as reported by the mothers, varied from 25 kicks/hour to 3 kicks/24 hours. Receiving information about expected fetal activity was associated with maternal concerns about decreased fetal movement, but not with improved outcomes. We conclude that receiving information about expected fetal activity was associated with maternal concerns, but not with improved outcomes.

PMID: 18586188 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Use of hyaluronidase to prevent perineal trauma during spontaneous delivery: a pilot study.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Use of hyaluronidase to prevent perineal trauma during spontaneous delivery: a pilot study.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):353-61

Authors: Scarabotto LB, Riesco ML

Our objective was to compare the frequency, degree, and location of perineal trauma during spontaneous delivery with or without perineal injections of hyaluronidase (HAase). This was a randomized, controlled pilot study, conducted in a midwife-led hospital birth center in São Paulo, Brazil. Primiparous women (N = 139) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (HAase injection, n = 71) or to a control group (no injection, n = 68). Significant differences were noted between the two groups in frequency of perineal trauma (intervention, 39.4%; control, 76.5%), degree of spontaneous laceration (intervention, 0.0%; control, 82.4%), and laceration located in the posterior region of the perineum (intervention, 54.2%; control, 84.3%). When episiotomy and second-degree lacerations were considered together and women with intact perineum were excluded from the analysis, the difference between the groups was no longer significant. With the use of the HAase enzyme, the relative risk was 0.5 for perineal trauma and 0.0 for second-degree lacerations. The present findings suggest that perineal injection of HAase prevented perineal trauma. These findings provide strong rationale for a larger follow-up study.

PMID: 18586189 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Hormonal contraception and hiv-positive women: metabolic concerns and management strategies.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Hormonal Contraception and HIV-Positive Women: Metabolic Concerns and Management Strategies.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):362-75

Authors: Womack J, Richman S, Tien PC, Grey M, Williams A

As HIV-positive women live longer lives, and as testing for HIV becomes more routine, clinicians can expect to see more HIV-positive women in their practices. The need to be aware of management issues particular to this population becomes increasingly important. Metabolic dysregulation is a common, long-term complication associated with HIV and is one of the most difficult to manage. Hormonal contraception also is associated with metabolic dysregulation. As more HIV-positive women choose long-term, reversible contraception, the potential for concomitant and additive side effects, and the need for careful, proactive management strategies to avoid these complications, will become more important. This article reviews research detailing the metabolic dysfunction associated with hormonal contraception and with HIV-seropositivity. It highlights reasons for concern regarding the potential, although as yet theoretical, increased risk for metabolic dysfunction when hormonal contraception is used in the presence of HIV. Suggestions for management strategies for women living with HIV who choose to use hormonal contraception are presented. These strategies should be viewed as suggestions for management until substantitive research becomes available.

PMID: 18586190 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

The obstetrics team: midwives teaching residents and medical students on the labor and delivery unit.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The obstetrics team: midwives teaching residents and medical students on the labor and delivery unit.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):376-80

Authors: Feinland JB, Sankey HZ

In response to the new standards for resident work hours issued in 2003, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA developed a program for midwifery involvement in resident and medical education. The Obstetrics Team consists of a midwife teaching first-year residents in obstetrics/gynecology and emergency medicine and third-year medical students on the labor and delivery unit. This program has successfully addressed the need for resident and medical education as well as service provision created by reduced resident work hours and provides a useful model for other institutions.

PMID: 18586191 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Methods of stimulating the onset of labor: an exploration of maternal satisfaction.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Methods of stimulating the onset of labor: an exploration of maternal satisfaction.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):381-7

Authors: Knoche A, Selzer C, Smolley K

PMID: 18586192 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Prenatal genetic screening.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Prenatal genetic screening.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):391-2

Authors: Burgin KB

PMID: 18586193 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Preterm infants in norway experience greater morbidities, lower life expectancy, and reproduce less often in adulthood than term infants.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Preterm infants in norway experience greater morbidities, lower life expectancy, and reproduce less often in adulthood than term infants.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):393-4

Authors: Bond S

PMID: 18586194 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Study of birth trauma in iowa considers hospital discharge data, but not provider type, in occurrence of third- and fourth-degree lacerations.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Study of birth trauma in iowa considers hospital discharge data, but not provider type, in occurrence of third- and fourth-degree lacerations.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):394-5

Authors: Bond S

PMID: 18586195 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Low levels of vitamin d in women increase the risk of preeclampsia.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Low levels of vitamin d in women increase the risk of preeclampsia.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):395

Authors: Bond S

PMID: 18586196 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Conventional glass slide pap smears are as accurate as liquid-based tests in detecting cervical disease.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conventional Glass Slide Pap Smears are as Accurate as Liquid-Based Tests in Detecting Cervical Disease.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Jul-Aug;53(4):395-6

Authors: Bond S

PMID: 18586197 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Writing for publication: argument and evidence.

Women Birth — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Writing for publication: Argument and evidence.

Women Birth. 2008 Jun 26;

Authors: Fahy K

The rules for writing a research report for publication are well defined but are much less clear for scholarly scientific papers. The purpose of this paper is to enable new writers to confidently apply the skills of scientific writing within a scholarly paper for publication. Similarities and differences between scientific argument and debating are discussed. Achieving the right 'tone' and emphasis in writing is considered. How to use the correct verb tense is outlined. The importance of a clearly defined question is explained. The elements of an effective scholarly paper are presented and examples given. The elements are the: question, thesis, introduction, body of the paper, conclusion and finally, an abstract.

PMID: 18585992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Women Birth)

Time to listen: strategies to improve hospital-based postnatal care.

Women Birth — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Time to listen: Strategies to improve hospital-based postnatal care.

Women Birth. 2008 Jun 23;

Authors: Schmied V, Cooke M, Gutwein R, Steinlein E, Homer C

BACKGROUND: In Australia and internationally, women report high levels of dissatisfaction with hospital-based postnatal care. AIM: To design and implement strategies to improve hospital-based postnatal care at a Sydney metropolitan hospital. METHOD: This was an Action Research study. In Phase One, midwives considered the literature and participated in group discussions and interviews to determine their perceptions of postnatal care and the factors that facilitate or hinder the provision of quality care. In Phase Two, midwives participated in 12 working group meetings to design strategies to improve care. RESULTS: Several important principles of postnatal care were described, including building a relationship with women, meeting their individual needs, being flexible in approach and providing continuity of care. 'Listening to women', 'being there,' and 'normalising experiences and expectations' were believed to be critical to achieving these principles. A key strategy 'One to One Time' was designed to provide women with an uninterrupted period of time each day with a midwife who was available to listen to their needs and concerns and discuss issues related to their health and that of their baby. CONCLUSION: Midwives designed and implemented strategies that they believed would improve in-hospital postnatal care.

PMID: 18579461 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Women Birth)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy: a world of possibilities.

Midwifery — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy: a world of possibilities.

Midwifery. 2008 Jun 19;

Authors: Molander E, Alehagen S, Berterö CM

OBJECTIVE: to identify and describe the meaning of the routine ultrasound scan to pregnant women. DESIGN: a qualitative descriptive study using a grounded theory approach, with individual interviews to collect data. SETTING: three antenatal clinics in a Swedish county of approximately 400,000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS: voluntary samples of 10 pregnant Swedish women, 26-38 years of age, were interviewed prior to their first routine ultrasound. FINDINGS: 'making it possible' was the core category that explained and illustrated the meaning of the scan. The core category showed that the women considered the examination to be filled with possibilities to reach different goals during pregnancy. It also explained the categories: ultrasound as an event; ultrasound as a situation; ultrasound as a test; and the effects of ultrasound; as well as how they related to each other. The findings are considered the beginning of a theory concerning the meaning of the first ultrasound to pregnant women. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: pregnant women can see their first ultrasound as a tool that enables them to reach different goals during their pregnancy. Many of the goals concern meeting and connecting with the baby, suggesting that pregnant women consider the examination an important step towards parenthood. An ultrasound examination offered for medical reasons, which has other meanings than the intended for pregnant women, is important knowledge. It can be useful when giving information about the scan, addressing the woman during the examination, and for understanding and handling possible reactions.

PMID: 18571818 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

Hiv-positive women's experiences of a pmtct programme in rural malawi.

Midwifery — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

HIV-positive women's experiences of a PMTCT programme in rural Malawi.

Midwifery. 2008 Jun 18;

Authors: Kasenga F, Hurtig AK, Emmelin M

OBJECTIVE: to explore women's experiences of a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in rural Malawi. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: an exploratory, qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 24 purposively selected women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The women were in three groups of eight: (1) those who delivered at the hospital and took nevirapine (NVP) before birth and whose babies received NVP within 72 hours of birth; (2) those who birthed at home and took NVP before birth but their babies never received NVP; and (3) those who birthed at home and did not take NVP and whose babies did not receive NVP. Data were analysed using content analysis. FINDINGS: four themes emerged: (1) 'a wish to confirm and protect' refers to women's decisions to take the HIV test, (2) 'a revelation for action' is an illustration of how the testing may be part of an empowering process, (3) 'a dilemma between silence and openness' points to the dilemma that women are facing in their decision to share or not to share their HIV status with spouse, family, friends and community, and (4) 'a desire challenged by circumstances, chance and tradition' refers to the circumstances and actions which prevent these women from actually delivering at the hospital to protect their babies from HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: the PMTCT programme influences women's lives profoundly, and the importance of quality counselling and strengthening male involvement is stressed as the programme is implemented by an increasing number of service providers.

PMID: 18571297 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

The costs of 'being with the woman': secondary traumatic stress in midwifery.

Midwifery — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The costs of 'being with the woman': secondary traumatic stress in midwifery.

Midwifery. 2008 Jun 16;

Authors: Leinweber J, Rowe HJ

OBJECTIVE: it is widely acknowledged that caring can cause emotional suffering in health-care professionals. The concepts of compassion fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder and secondary traumatic stress are used to describe the potential consequences of caring for people who are or have experienced trauma. Empathy between the professional and patient or client is a key feature in the development of secondary traumatic stress. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the conceptual development of theory about dynamics in the midwife-woman relationship in the context of traumatic birth events, and to stimulate debate and research into the potential for traumatic stress in midwives who provide care in and through relationships with women. METHOD: the relevant literature addressing secondary traumatic stress in health-care professionals was reviewed. FINDINGS: it is argued that the high degree of empathic identification which characterises the midwife-woman relationship in midwifery practice places midwives at risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress when caring for women experiencing traumatic birth. It is suggested that this has harmful consequences for midwives' own mental health and for their capacity to provide care in their relationships with women, threatening the distinct nature of midwifery care. CONCLUSIONS: opportunities for research to establish the existence of this phenomenon, and the potential implications for midwifery practice are identified.

PMID: 18562056 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

Translation and psychometric assessment of the breast-feeding self-efficacy scale-short form among pregnant and postnatal women in turkey.

Midwifery — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Translation and psychometric assessment of the Breast-feeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form among pregnant and postnatal women in Turkey.

Midwifery. 2008 Jun 7;

Authors: Aluş Tokat M, Okumuş H, Dennis CL

BACKGROUND: most women stop breast feeding before the recommended 6 months post partum. If health professionals are to improve low breast-feeding duration and exclusivity rates, they need to assess high-risk women reliably and identify predisposing factors amenable to intervention. One possible modifiable variable is breast-feeding confidence. The Breast-feeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) is a 14-item measure designed to assess a mother's confidence in her ability to breast feed her baby. OBJECTIVES: to translate the BSES-SF into Turkish and assess its psychometric properties among women in the antenatal and postnatal periods. DESIGN: a methodological study to assess the reliability, validity and predictive value of the BSES-SF. SETTING: two private and two public hospitals and their outpatient health clinics in Izmir, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: 144 pregnant women and 150 postnatal breast-feeding mothers were recruited using convenience sampling. METHODS: following back-translation procedures, questionnaires were completed in the third trimester by pregnant women and in the hospital by postnatal women. All mothers were telephoned at approximately 12 weeks after the birth to determine how they were feeding their babies. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.87 antenatally and 0.86 postnatally. Antenatal and postnatal BSES-SF scores were significant predictors of breast-feeding duration and exclusivity at 12 weeks after the birth. Differences were found between antenatal and postnatal BSES-SF scores for mothers with previous breast-feeding experience compared with scores for mothers with no breast-feeding experience. Demographic response patterns suggest that the BSES-SF is a unique tool to identify pregnant women and new mothers at risk of early cessation of breast feeding. CONCLUSIONS: this study provides evidence that the translated version of the BSES-SF may be a valid and reliable measure of breast-feeding self-efficacy among a perinatal sample in Turkey.

PMID: 18541350 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

Breast feeding initiation and duration: comparison of french and german mothers.

Midwifery — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Breast feeding initiation and duration: comparison of French and German mothers.

Midwifery. 2008 Jun 7;

Authors: Walburg V, Goehlich M, Conquet M, Callahan S, Schölmerich A, Chabrol H

BACKGROUND: approximately 56% of babies in France are breast fed at birth compared with approximately 91% in Germany. Few studies have compared these neighbouring countries despite the similarities in their social systems. OBJECTIVES: to compare breast-feeding initiation and duration from birth to 3 months post partum between French and German mothers, as well as reasons for breast-feeding cessation in the first 3 months. DESIGN: mothers were contacted twice during the study: immediately after childbirth and at 3 months post partum. PARTICIPANTS: 126 French mothers were recruited during their maternity stay in hospital, and 80 German women were recruited by their midwives and contacted via regular mail. All women were primiparous. METHODS: breast-feeding rates at birth and 3 months post partum were collected and compared. In addition, reasons for breast-feeding cessation in the first 3 months were explored and analysed. RESULTS: 96% of German women initiated breast feeding at birth and 83% were still breast feeding at 3 months post partum. In comparison, 67% of French women initiated breast feeding at birth and 34% were still breast feeding at 3 months post partum. CONCLUSION: there is a need for postnatal follow-up care for French mothers who breast feed. Follow-up care available for German mothers shows encouraging results.

PMID: 18541351 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Midwives reject government 3 year pay offer

Royal College of Midwives — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:28:16 +0100

Members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have overwhelmingly rejected the 3 year pay deal negotiated by Unison, RCN, the DH and NHS Employers. RCM members expressed strong support for the 2.75% one year pay deal recommended by the National Health Service Pay Review Body. (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Midwives announce new general secretary

Royal College of Midwives — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:09:51 +0100

One of the country's leading midwives, Professor Cathy Warwick CBE, has been appointed as the next General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). She will succeed Dame Karlene Davis who retires in October this year. (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Midwives welcome minister's intervention in gwent trust

Royal College of Midwives — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:39:36 +0100

Responding to the announcement today by Health Minister Edwina Hart, that Gwent NHS Trust maternity services are to be put under special measures, Helen Rogers, Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Wales, said: "We welcome the minister's actions to put Gwent Trust's maternity services on special measures. It is indicative of the depth of the problems there that such action is needed." (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Nhs south central vision document given guarded welcome

Royal College of Midwives — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:01:42 +0100

Commenting on the release today of the South Central, Strategic Health Authority Vision Document, Judy Slessar, South Central Regional Officer for the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I am glad to see that the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) acknowledges the impact of the increasing birth-rate and complexity of births on the quality of care that women and babies in the area receive. It is very welcome and encouraging that the Vision Document sets out steps to address these issues. (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Effect of an extended midwifery postnatal support programme on the duration of breast feeding: a randomised controlled trial.

Midwifery — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Effect of an extended midwifery postnatal support programme on the duration of breast feeding: A randomised controlled trial.

Midwifery. 2008 May 15;

Authors: McDonald SJ, Henderson JJ, Faulkner S, Evans SF, Hagan R

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effects of an extended midwifery support (EMS) programme on the proportion of women who breast feed fully to six months. DESIGN: randomised controlled trial. SETTING: large public teaching hospital in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 849 women who had given birth to a healthy, term, singleton baby and who wished to breast feed. INTERVENTION: participants were allocated at random to EMS, in which they were offered a one-to-one postnatal educational session and weekly home visits with additional telephone contact by a midwife until their baby was six weeks old; or standard postnatal midwifery support (SMS). Participants were stratified for parity and tertiary education. MEASUREMENTS: the main outcome measures were prevalence of full and any breast feeding at six months postpartum. FINDINGS: there was no difference between the groups at six months postpartum for either full breast feeding [EMS 43.3% versus SMS 42.5%, relative risk (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-1.19] or any breast feeding (EMS 63.9% versus SMS 67.9%, RR 0.94, 95%CI 0.85-1.04). CONCLUSIONS: the EMS programme did not succeed in improving breast-feeding rates in a setting where there was high initiation of breast feeding. Breast-feeding rates were high but still fell short of national goals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: continuing research of programmes designed to promote breast feeding is required in view of the advantages of breast feeding for all mothers and babies.

PMID: 18486287 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Women's accounts of the physical sensation of chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis: expectations and experience.

Midwifery — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Women's accounts of the physical sensation of chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis: expectations and experience.

Midwifery. 2008 May 14;

Authors: Locock L, Field K, McPherson A, Boyd PA

OBJECTIVE: to understand women's expectations and experience of discomfort during chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis, and relate them to aspects of clinical practice. DESIGN: thematic analysis of narrative interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: sample recruited nationally for two wider studies of experiences of antenatal screening (n=47) and experiences of ending a pregnancy for fetal abnormality (n=40). Of these, 31 women had experienced amniocentesis and/or CVS at least once. FINDINGS: most women found the procedures less painful than expected. A smaller group were shocked or surprised at the sensation, and were worried that they had jumped and that the needle might have damaged the baby. A few found it very painful, using vivid imagery of being stabbed or punctured. However, even those who found it worse than expected felt it was worth the pain to get a definite diagnosis. Women identified a range of factors affecting their experience, including levels of anxiety, prior experience or knowledge of the procedures, levels of information provided, trust in the skill of the operator, or reassurance and empathy of the staff involved. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the needs of a small minority of women who find CVS or amniocentesis shocking and/or painful may be overlooked. A review of pre-test information and procedures is recommended to ensure that women are better prepared for possible physical sensations during the procedures to address the needs of this minority.

PMID: 18485550 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

Poor staffing levels anger royal college and gwent midwives

Royal College of Midwives — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:12:03 +0100

Community Midwives in Gwent are appealing to health minister Edwina Hart to step in over a staffing dispute with Gwent Health Care Trust. The midwives - supported by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) - are calling for an extra sixteen full time midwives at the Trust to ensure a good standard of care for women and babies. The midwives and the RCM were originally asking for thirty-one extra staff. (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Bringing birth-related paternal depression to the fore.

Women Birth — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Bringing birth-related paternal depression to the fore.

Women Birth. 2008 May 12;

Authors: Schumacher M, Zubaran C, White G

OBJECTIVES: Maternal postpartum depression is a prevalent health disorder with important consequences to the family and child development. Research evidence demonstrates that fathers can also suffer from psychological distress in the postpartum period and that paternal depression has a detrimental effect on the child's behavioral and emotional development. This study aims to review the current literature available about birth-related paternal depression. METHOD: A literature search from 1980 to 2007 was conducted through Medline electronic database, using the following Mesh terms: postpartum, postnatal, depression, fathers and paternal. Studies on maternal postpartum depression that examined issues related to paternal depression were also selected. RESULTS: Understanding about paternal depressive disorders during the postnatal period has advanced considerably in the last decade. Various studies demonstrate that birth-related paternal depression is a significant problem and closely associated with maternal depressive symptoms. Children of depressive fathers are also at risk for emotional and behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS: Men may suffer from psychological distress after childbirth and birth-related paternal depression is not a rare phenomenon. Since this disorder, also called 'paternal postpartum depression', presents potential deleterious effects for the child, an increased level of public health awareness and scientific interest is warranted. In addition, a more detailed assessment of fathers during the postnatal period is recommended, especially when their partners are also depressed, so that the condition will be promptly recognized and treated.

PMID: 18479990 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Women Birth)

Rcm inaugurates midwife with 30 years nhs experience as new president

Royal College of Midwives — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:08:59 +0100

Liz Stephens, a passionate advocate and activist for midwives, mothers and babies, is the new president of the Royal College of Midwives. Ms. Stephens, a consultant/ caseload midwife, has more than 30 years experience in the NHS. Throughout her career, Ms. Stephens has continued in clinical practice and is an active midwifery practioner. (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Craving closeness: a grounded theory analysis of women's experiences of mothering in the special care nursery.

Women Birth — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Craving closeness: A grounded theory analysis of women's experiences of mothering in the Special Care Nursery.

Women Birth. 2008 May 5;

Authors: Fenwick J, Barclay L, Schmied V

AIM: The aim of the study was to increase knowledge and understanding of how women begin their roles as mothers when their infant is in the neonatal nursery. BACKGROUND: Research is limited into how women experience mothering in contexts such as the neonatal nursery. Consequently many nurses and midwives remain inadequately informed of parents' experiences which we know may have long-term family outcomes. METHOD: This paper presents the overarching synthesis of a grounded theory analysis of data collected from 28 Australian women whose infants were in Special Care Nurseries. It draws together a number of previous publications that have described in detail the categories derived from the analysis that explain the actions, interactions and reactions women engage in as they seek to 'connect' with their infant. Data collection consisted of two in-depth interviews conducted with women, 333h of taped cot side recordings, field notes and interview data collected from 20 nursery staff, 19 of whom were midwives. FINDINGS: Six major categories were identified that, when combined, explained the intense emotional, cognitive and worry 'work' women undertook with both their infants and the nursery staff in an effort to learn how to mother in the nursery. Four explained how women worked to get to know and connect with their infants. The first three were labelled 'just existing', 'striving to be the baby's mother' and 'trying to establish competence'. The fourth, 'learning and playing the game', overlays the first three and represents the reality of having to undertake these already difficult and unexpected activities of mothering in the nursery. Two categories 'becoming connected' and 'struggling to mother' were identified as the consequences of women's actions and interactions. A significant finding of the study was the impact of the interactions between nurses and mothers' mothering. The nurse-mother relationship had the potential to significantly affect how women perceived their connection to the infant and their confidence in caring for their infant which occurred through a three way interaction. CONCLUSIONS: It becomes clear that the intense work women undertake as mothers in the nursery is focused on not only the infant, which might have been expected, but also the nursery staff. It is driven by their desire to develop or re-establish some sense of competence in the eyes of the nurse and to achieve control over the situation. Achieving physical closeness with the baby was a major strategy through which women not only learned about and gained intimate knowledge of their infant, but also demonstrated authority and ownership. It appears that reorientating the delivery of services from the infant to the mother-infant dyad would improve the care women and families receive during their nursery experience.

PMID: 18463016 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Women Birth)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Breast-feeding knowledge and practices among mothers in manisa, turkey.

Midwifery — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Breast-feeding knowledge and practices among mothers in Manisa, Turkey.

Midwifery. 2008 May 5;

Authors: Yanikkerem E, Tuncer R, Yilmaz K, Aslan M, Karadeniz G

OBJECTIVE: to determine breast-feeding knowledge and practices among mothers before and after an educational intervention on breast feeding. DESIGN: cross-sectional, descriptive study using a face-to-face questionnaire. SETTING: Manisa Maternity and Children's Hospital, which has Baby Friendly status. PARTICIPANTS: 158 women in the early postpartum period. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: 10.8% of women were not aware that they should offer colostrum to their babies. Only 43.7% of women commenced breast feeding within the first 30 minutes of giving birth. Prior to receiving the educational intervention, 55.7% of mothers knew how often they should feed their baby, 48.7% knew that they should breast feed their baby for two years together with additional food, although 55.1% of women did not know how to hold their breast during a feed. The mean pre-test score was 9.9 (SD 2.4; range 3-13), and the mean post-test score was 12.6 (SD 0.8; range 9-13). The difference between the mean pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant (paired t=15.3, df=157, P<0.001). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: given the integral role of breast feeding in improving overall community health, regular breast-feeding counselling should be offered, particularly during the pregnancy and early postpartum period.

PMID: 18462854 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Midwifery)

Student midwives: delivered into debt and uncertainty about job prospects.

Royal College of Midwives — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:02:48 +0100

More than 90 percent of final year midwifery students are struggling to find a job, a new survey published today by the Royal College of Midwives reveals. The survey also showed that 58 percent of midwifery students were concerned about getting a job. The survey comes as the midwifery profession is moving into a new era as an all graduate profession. (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Scottish student midwives: delivered into debt and uncertainty about job prospects.

Royal College of Midwives — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

More than ninety percent of final year midwifery students are struggling to find a job, a new survey published today by the Royal College of Midwives reveals. The survey also showed that 58 percent of midwifery students were concerned about getting a job. The survey comes as the midwifery profession is moving into a new era as an all graduate profession. The RCM UK Board for Scotland Director Gillian Smith said: "For several years, we have had a guarantee of 12 months employment in Scotland on qualification, however it is often difficult for recently qualified midwives to get a placement in a maternity unit of their choice and they may have difficulties with moving because of other commitments." (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Northern irish student midwives: delivered into debt and uncertainty about job prospects.

Royal College of Midwives — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

More than ninety percent of final year midwifery students are struggling to find a job, a new survey published today by the Royal College of Midwives reveals. The survey also showed that 58 percent of midwifery students were concerned about getting a job. The survey comes as the midwifery profession is moving into a new era as an all graduate profession. The RCM's Regional Officer for Northern Ireland Mary Cadell said: "Irish midwifery students are telling us that they are mired in student debts and childcare costs. Our student members have told us that they are facing considerable personal financial problems while they are training to be midwives. What message is this giving to potential student midwives who are caring for the next generation of mothers in Northern Ireland?" (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

Welsh student midwives: delivered into debt and uncertainty about job prospects.

Royal College of Midwives — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

More than ninety percent of final year midwifery students are struggling to find a job, a new survey published today by the Royal College of Midwives reveals. The survey also showed that 58 percent of midwifery students were concerned about getting a job. The survey comes as the midwifery profession is moving into a new era as an all graduate profession. The Head of the RCM in Wales Helen Rogers said: "Midwifery in Wales has been an all graduate profession for some time now. However, the RCM is aware that student midwives are under considerable financial pressure. We are also aware that newly qualified midwives are finding it much more difficult to find jobs." (Source: Royal College of Midwives)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Syphilis in pregnancy.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Syphilis in pregnancy.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):e17-21

Authors: O'Connor M, Kleinman S, Goff M

PMID: 18455089 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Breaking the cycle of infection: torch and other infections in women's health.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Breaking the cycle of infection: TORCH and other infections in women's health.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):173-4

Authors: Kriebs JM

PMID: 18455090 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Incorporating immunization services into reproductive health care.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Incorporating immunization services into reproductive health care.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):175-87; quiz 284-5

Authors: Hackley B

Vaccine-preventable infections are common in adults and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Since 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released more than 15 recommendations governing the use of new vaccines, as well as recommendations for regimen changes for use of older ones, in adults. Understanding these changes and incorporating them into practice is essential to protect adults from vaccine-preventable infections. Because many women receive care in obstetric and gynecologic practices, integrating these services into reproductive health care provides an opportunity to offer vaccination to many women who otherwise might not be offered these recommended vaccines.

PMID: 18455091 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine: potential factors in effectiveness.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine: potential factors in effectiveness.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):188-94

Authors: Zonfrillo NJ, Hackley B

Cervical cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is the second most common female cancer in the world, causing over a quarter of a million deaths worldwide every year. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) has the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cervical disease. However, a variety of factors affect the vaccine's success, including exposure to HPV prior to vaccination, duration of protection provided by the vaccine, the in vivo interaction between HPV serotypes, and variation in HPV serotype prevalence worldwide. This article describes the pathophysiology of HPV infection, efficacy and safety of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, factors that may influence the vaccine's effectiveness in reducing cervical cancer rates, and recommendations for maximizing this effectiveness.

PMID: 18455092 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Changes in hiv testing policies and the implications for women.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Changes in HIV testing policies and the implications for women.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):195-201

Authors: Maman S, King E

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) together with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recently released new guidelines for HIV testing in health care settings. Both sets of guidelines recommend eliminating individual informed consent in favor of an opt-out approach that requires clients to actively decline the HIV test after a pretest information session. The revised guidelines also recommend reducing the amount of counseling that accompanies the HIV test. Women are more likely than men to be affected by efforts to expand access to HIV testing in health care settings because of women's increased vulnerability to HIV and greater contact with the health care system. Women may also be more susceptible to changes to the consent and counseling process for HIV testing because of their marginalized social status in many settings. More research is needed to document women's experiences with provider-initiated, opt-out HIV testing. Understanding women's experiences will help to formulate feasible and effective strategies to support women and ensure they gain access to HIV treatment services.

PMID: 18455093 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Understanding herpes simplex virus: transmission, diagnosis, and considerations in pregnancy management.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Understanding herpes simplex virus: transmission, diagnosis, and considerations in pregnancy management.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):202-8

Authors: Kriebs JM

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are frequently asymptomatic or undiagnosed, but more than half the US population is seropositive for HSV, and about one-fifth are positive for HSV-2. These two factors contribute to the risk for sexual transmission and therefore to the risk of late-pregnancy acquisition of HSV. Most neonatal herpes infections are the result of undiagnosed, new-onset HSV infection in the mother. This article reviews the epidemiology of HSV, risks of transmission, and testing and management of HSV during pregnancy. Options for evaluation and management are presented.

PMID: 18455094 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Malaria in pregnancy: a literature review.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Malaria in pregnancy: a literature review.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):209-15

Authors: Lagerberg RE

Pregnant women are more likely than nonpregnant women to become infected with malaria and to have severe infection. The effects of malaria during pregnancy include spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, congenital infection, and maternal death. Malaria is caused by the four species of the protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheline mosquito, congenitally, or through exposure to infected blood products. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria in pregnant women. Interventions to prevent malaria include intermittent preventive treatment, insecticide-treated nets, and case management of malaria infection and anemia.

PMID: 18455095 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Antibiotic resistance: a guide for effective prescribing in women's health.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Antibiotic resistance: a guide for effective prescribing in women's health.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):216-26

Authors: Roe VA

Current national and international trends in antibiotic resistance are becoming a public health crisis. Multi-drug resistant organisms are more prevalent in hospital settings and, alarmingly, are now being identified in the community. Over-reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as inappropriate prescribing practices, play a significant role in encouraging the emergence of resistant organisms. This article reviews the mechanisms of bacterial resistance, current trends in national and international antibiotic resistance, and examines approaches to combat pathogens while sparing benign microbes.

PMID: 18455096 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Clinical management of intra-amniotic infection and chorioamnionitis: a review of the literature.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Clinical management of intra-amniotic infection and chorioamnionitis: a review of the literature.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):227-35

Authors: Fahey JO

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI), or chorioamnionitis, complicates up to 10% of all pregnancies and up to 2% of labors at term. There is a significant risk of complications for the mother and the neonate following IAI, including sepsis and pneumonia. In addition, there is a correlation between IAI and premature rupture of membranes, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and preterm birth. Research in the last decade has also revealed a complex and significant association between IAI and cerebral palsy and other central nervous system damage in both the preterm and term fetus. Timely diagnosis and treatment of IAI can significantly reduce the risk of both maternal and neonatal complications.

PMID: 18455097 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)