Midwives' experiences of postpartum haemorrhage: A web-based survey in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe midwives' experiences of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) >1000 ml in connection with childbirth. DESIGN: A qualitative web-based survey with open-ended questions was used and the results were analysed with content analysis. SETTING: Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from a national Facebook group for midwives. PARTICIPANTS: The study sample included 24 midwives with varying work experience at different maternity units in Sweden, all of whom had experience of postpartum haemorrhage >1000 ml. FINDINGS: The midwives described that the treatment of PPH is limited by a lack of cooperation, knowledge, and assistance, as well as by staff inexperience. They also described how a high-pressure work environment contributed to feelings of inadequacy. Good cooperation, team training, having colleagues present, embodied knowledge, and good working conditions, led to successful handling of such situations, which contributed to feeling at ease with what had happened. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Good working conditions related to external contextual factors such as total load and support, as well as internal factors such as self-efficacy, can help midwives manage PPH while providing patient-safe care and feeling confident in their ability and at ease with the events. Therefore, midwives need to be given opportunities for emotional support, education, and team-based training to maintain the quality of midwifery care and avoid negative long-term effects for both midwives and patients.

Fear of childbirth after induced abortion in primiparous women: Population-based register study from Finland.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common obstetrical challenge that complicates about every 10th pregnancy. Background factors of FOC are diverse. We evaluated the association of induced abortion (IA) and FOC in subsequent pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population-based register study based on three Finnish national registers: the Register of Induced Abortions, the Medical Birth Register and the Hospital Discharge Register. The study cases were primigravid women undergoing an IA in 2000-2015 and subsequent pregnancy ending in live singleton birth up to 2017. Each case had three controls, matched by age and residential area, whose first pregnancy ended in a live birth. The main outcome was the incidence of FOC in the subsequent pregnancy. In a secondary analysis, we assessed other risk factors for FOC. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 21 455 women and 63 425 controls. Altogether, 4.2% of women had a diagnosis of FOC. The incidence was higher in women with a history of IA than in controls (5.6% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001). A history of IA was associated with higher odds for FOC: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.30. In addition, a history of psychiatric diagnosis (aOR 3.48, 95% CI 3.15-3.83), high maternal age, 30-39 years old (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.43-1.67; P < 0.001) and ≥40 years old (aOR 3.00, 95% CI 2.37-3.77; P < 0.001) and smoking (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.31; P < 0.001) were associated with increased odds for FOC. Women living in densely populated or rural areas and those with lower socioeconomic class had lower odds for FOC. CONCLUSIONS: A history of IA is associated with increased odds for FOC in subsequent pregnancy. However, the associations of FOC with a history of psychiatric diagnosis and elevated maternal age (especially ≥40 years old) are more pronounced.

"Women Friendly": A Childbirth Preparation Intervention in Israel for Women with Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Pregnant women with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual abuse and traumatic births, are particularly vulnerable to experiencing extreme fear of childbirth complications during labor and traumatic deliveries. In this commentary, we review the literature on this group of women and their specific needs during pregnancy and childbirth. We present a childbirth preparation intervention for pregnant women with PTSD symptoms, "Women Friendly", designed in Israel and gradually becoming available in the community and Israeli hospitals. This intervention is intended for women with high levels of fear of childbirth who are unmotivated or unable to undergo traditional psychotherapy that focuses on exposure to and processing of past traumatic event(s). It is based on birth-oriented thinking, principles of positive psychology, and trauma-informed care. In addition to the five sessions offered to pregnant women, medical staff are provided with 19 training sessions on the "Women Friendly" approach. Qualitative and quantitative research should examine the effectiveness of this intervention. Should results be encouraging, this intervention could be more widely implemented in Israel and abroad and applied in broader contexts, such as gynecological check-ups and medical examinations, interventions, and surgery.

Parto y puerperio durante la pandemia por COVID-19: experiencia de las pacientes y frecuencia de prematuridad / Childbirth and puerperium during the COVID-19 pandemic: patient experience and frequency of prematurity

Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción de las madres que tuvieron su parto durante la pandemia COVID en relación a la obligación de no recibir visitas en su puerperio, y cuantificar la frecuencia de prematuridad que otros centros del mundo mostraron que se redujo durante la pandemia. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo con encuestas realizadas entre el 1 de septiembre y el 31 diciembre 2020, y análisis de estadísticas locales de la Unidad de Maternidad y Neonatología. Resultados: Sobre el 90% de las madres que contestaron la encuesta afirmó haber descansado mejor y preferir un retorno a las visitas con horarios reducidos. La frecuencia de prematuridad se redujo significativamente en nuestra institución (8,08% entre 2014 y 2019 vs. 1,6% en 2020). Conclusiones: La mayoría de las puérperas prefiere un horario reducido para visitas en el posparto. Este hallazgo y la caída en la frecuencia de prematuridad obligan a reflexionar sobre nuestro cuidado prenatal actual.

Objective: To evaluate the perception of mothers who gave birth during the COVID pandemic in relation to the obligation not to receive visits during the puerperium, and to quantify the frequency of prematurity that other centers in the world showed decreased during the pandemic. Method: Retrospective observational study with surveys conducted between September 1st and December 31, 2020, and analysis of local statistics from the Maternity and Neonatal Unit. Results: Over 90% of the mothers who answered the survey stated that they had rested better and preferred a return to visits with reduced hours. The frequency of prematurity was signficantly reduced in our institution ((8.08% between 2014 and 2019 vs 1.6% in 2020). Conclusions: Most postpartum women prefer a reduced schedule for pospartum visits. This finding and the drop in the frequency of prematurity force us to reflect on our current prenatal care.

Antecedente de depresión, síntomas de estrés postraumático, apoyo social percibido: prediciendo la depresión posparto / History of depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, perceived social support: predicting postpartum depression

Objetivo: Describir y analizar si el apoyo social percibido modera la relación entre antecedente de depresión (AD) o síntomas de trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y desarrollo de síntomas de depresión posparto (SDPP), evaluado prospectivamente. Método: Diseño longitudinal de tres tiempos: antes del parto (n = 458), primer mes posparto (n = 406) y tercer mes posparto (n = 426). Se utilizaron la Escala de Depresión Posparto de Edimburgo (EPDS), la Escala de Síntomas de Estrés Postraumático (PCL-C) y la Escala de Apoyo Social Percibido (MOS). Se realizó un análisis de ocho modelos jerárquicos de regresión lineal múltiple, por cada tiempo de evaluación en el estudio. Resultados: Se encontró una asociación significativa entre síntomas de TEPT y puntaje de SDPP en los tres tiempos. El apoyo social percibido es un factor protector significativo para los SDPP en los tiempos 1 y 2, mientras que el AD es un factor de riesgo significativo en los tiempos 2 y 3. Los resultados no apoyan las hipótesis de interacción. Conclusiones: El apoyo social es un factor protector significativo, que puede disminuir los SDPP; sin embargo, disminuye con el tiempo. El apoyo social no logra revertir la asociación de los síntomas de TEPT con el puntaje en SDPP.

Objective: Describe and analyze if the perceived social support moderates the relationship between depression history or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the development of symptoms of postpartum depression, prospectively evaluated. Method: Longitudinal design of three times: before partum (n = 458), one month (n = 458) and 3 months postpartum (n = 458). The version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the version of the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS) were used. Analysis of eight hierarchical multiple linear regression models. Results: A significant association was found between symptoms of post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression, in the three times measured. The perceived social support variable was found to be a significant protective factor for perinatal depression in times 1 and 2, and history of depression was significant in times 2 and 3. The results do not support the interaction hypothesis. Conclusions: Social support is a significant protective factor, which can reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression, nevertheless the significance decreases over time. However, social support fails to reverse the association of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms with symptoms of postpartum depression score.

Estudiantes universitarias nuligestas en edad fértil y su postura acerca de posibles vías del parto / Nuligest university students of childbearing age and their position about possible ways of delivery

Resumen Introducción: Tanto a nivel sudamericano como mundial, el incremento de la tasa de cesáreas electivas ha sido abrumante. Esto se considera un problema de salud pública, ya que el parto vaginal es la vía más fisiológica para el nacimiento y trae beneficios de salud para la madre y el recién nacido, tanto inmediatos como a futuro. Objetivo: Evaluar la postura de mujeres nuligestas en edad fértil acerca de las vías del parto a través de sus conocimientos, percepciones y preferencias. Método: Estudio de corte transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta a estudiantes universitarias para la recopilación de datos mediante SPSS, y análisis con prueba de diferencias de proporciones y de χ2. Resultados: 210 mujeres encuestadas. Un 80% de ellas desconoce la menor morbilidad infantil asociada a un parto vaginal, más de la mitad estima una ventaja de la cesárea que evite el dolor y un gran porcentaje desconoce los riesgos médicos asociados a la cesárea. Conclusiones: Existe un alto nivel de desconocimiento respecto a beneficios, riesgos y consecuencias de las diferentes vías del parto.

Abstract Introduction: Both in South America and worldwide, the increase in the rate of elective caesarean sections has been overwhelming. This is considered a public health problem, since vaginal delivery is the most physiological route for birth and brings health benefits for the mother and the newborn, immediately and in the future. Objective: To evaluate the position of nulliparous women of childbearing age regarding the delivery pathways through their knowledge, perceptions, and preferences. Method: Cross-sectional study with an analytical component. A survey was applied to university students for data collection through SPSS, and analysis was made with the difference of proportions and χ2 test. Results: 210 women surveyed; 80% of them are unaware of the lower infant morbidity associated with a vaginal delivery, more than a half estimate an advantage of a cesarean section that it avoids pain, and a large percentage are unaware of the medical risks associated with cesarean sections. Conclusions: There is a high level of ignorance regarding the benefits, risks and consequences of the different delivery routes.

Fear of childbirth in pregnancy was not increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of childbirth is a well-known problem during pregnancy and can have implications for childbirth, including prolonged labor, use of epidural analgesia, obstetric complications, presence of traumatic stress symptoms, or request for an elective cesarean section. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected mental health and therefore could have increased fear of childbirth during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate fear of childbirth during the pandemic in the Netherlands compared with a reference group from before the pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate pregnant women during the first and second waves of COVID-19 compared with both each other and with pregnant women from before the pandemic. Participants were recruited through social media platforms, hospitals, and midwifery practices. Pregnant women aged ≥18 years who had mastered the Dutch language were eligible to participate. Fear of childbirth was measured with the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire online using a cut-off score of ≥85 to indicate clinically relevant fear of childbirth. The primary outcome was the prevalence of fear of childbirth. We undertook additional analyses to specifically look at possible effect modification. RESULTS: In total, 1102 pregnant women completed the questionnaire during the first wave of the pandemic, 731 during the second wave, and 364 before the pandemic. Fear of childbirth was present in 10.6%, 11.4%, and 18.4%, respectively. We considered possible effect modification, which indicated that age and parity had a significant influence. In participants during the first wave of COVID-19, nulliparous women had significantly lower odds (odds ratio [OR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.73; p < 0.01) of having a fear of childbirth than did the reference group. Both younger participants in the first wave (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.37-0.93; p < 0.05) and older participants in the first wave (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.28-0.71; p < 0.01) and the second wave (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.21-0.62; p < 0.01) of COVID-19 had lower odds of fear of childbirth than the reference group. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women during the first and second waves of COVID-19 had lower fear of childbirth scores than pregnant women before the pandemic, indicating less fear of childbirth during the pandemic. This could be explained by an increased level of information, more time to consume information, and better work-life balance with more people working at home during the pandemic.

Antenatal Classes in the Context of Prenatal Anxiety and Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Perinatal maternal anxiety and depression negatively affect intrauterine fetal development, birth outcome, breastfeeding initiation, duration, and milk composition. Antenatal classes potentially reduce the anxiety of pregnant women and may thus contribute to healthy infant development. The study investigates the relationship between participation in online or in-person antenatal classes and levels of anxiety and depression in Polish women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study group included 1774 adult, non-smoking pregnant women. We compared the state anxiety (STAI-State) and depression levels (EPDS) in women who (i) attended antenatal classes in-person, (ii) attended online classes, and (iii) did not attend any of them. The statistical analyses included a GLM model and trend analysis, while controlling for maternal trait anxiety, age, pregnancy complications, trimester of pregnancy, previous pregnancies, and COVID-19 infections. We observed statistically significant differences in the level of anxiety (and depression). Women who did attend antenatal classes in person had the lowest levels of anxiety and depression. Considering the importance of maternal mental well-being on fetal development, birth outcome, and breastfeeding, in-person participation in antenatal classes should be recommended to pregnant women.

Fear of childbirth postpartum and its correlation with post-traumatic stress symptoms and quality of life among women with birth complications - a cross-sectional study.

The primary aim of the study was to analyze differences in post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and quality of life (QoL) between women with and without severe fear of childbirth postpartum (PP FOC). The secondary aims were to analyze the correlation between PP FOC and PTSS, and PP FOC and QoL, in women undergoing complicated childbirth. This cross-sectional study was conducted in South-East Sweden. Women aged ≥ 18 years who had undergone complicated childbirth (i.e., acute or emergency cesarean section, vacuum extraction, child in need of neonatal care, manual placenta removal, sphincter rupture, shoulder dystocia, or hemorrhage ≥ 1000 ml) were invited. Seventy-six women answered demographic questions and three validated instruments measuring PP FOC, PTSS, and QoL. The study population was divided into two sub groups: severe PP FOC or no severe PP FOC. Statistical analyses were conducted using Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's rank-order correlation. Severe PP FOC was reported by 29% of the women, and 18% reported PTSS indicating post-traumatic stress disorder. Women with severe PP FOC reported significantly higher levels of PTSS, and significantly lower QoL in five dimensions: physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, and social functioning. There was a positive significant correlation between level of PP FOC and PTSS. There were also significant negative correlations between level of PP FOC and most of the QoL dimensions. In conclusion, almost one-third of the women with complicated childbirth reported severe PP FOC, and almost one-fifth reported PTSS indicating post-traumatic stress disorder. PP FOC correlated with PTSS and deteriorated QoL.

The effect of educational intervention on nutritional behavior in pregnant women based on social cognitive theory.

BACKGROUND: One of the key issues for women's health is pregnancy. Healthy nutrition during pregnancy is a reliable guarantee for proper pregnancy and childbirth. This study sought to determine the impact of an educational intervention based on social cognitive theory on the nutritional behavior of pregnant women in Iran. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study was carried out in women of reproductive age in Iran, from February to April 2020. The samples were divided into experimental (n = 150) and control (n = 150) groups. The questionnaire included demographic questions, questions related to the structures of social cognitive theory and nutritional behavior questionnaire. The data were analyzed through the SPSS20 and AMOS23 software. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 28.11 ± 6.54 and 28.83 ± 6.62 years in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The results of the Structural Equation Model showed that direct effect of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and mutual determinants on behavior were significant. After the educational intervention, nutritional behavior in the experimental group was increased significantly. Also, there was a significant difference between two groups in structures such as outcome expectations, outcome value, self-efficacy and knowledge. But there was no significant increase in the self-regulation and social support after educational intervention. CONCLUSION: Social cognitive theory as a theoretical framework is able to predict healthy eating behavior during pregnancy. Also educational intervention based on the structures of social cognitive theory, improved the behavior of pregnant mothers. Educational intervention based on social cognitive theory and providing simple and understandable training packages for pregnant women is recommended.

Emotion regulation during pregnancy: a call to action for increased research, screening, and intervention.

This paper serves as a call to action for increased focus on emotion regulation during pregnancy. We make this case by summarizing the limited research to date on this topic, which has demonstrated that emotion regulation in pregnant people has important mental health, caregiving, and developmental correlates throughout the perinatal period. Given its crosscutting and modifiable nature, bolstering emotion regulation during pregnancy has the potential for considerable intergenerational consequences, and it is critical to further investigate this construct.

'We experienced lack of understanding in the healthcare system'. Experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors of the childbearing process, health and motherhood.

BACKGROUND: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has widespread and long-lasting impact on women's lives and health. Increased knowledge and deeper understanding are needed of survivors' experiences of the childbearing process, health and motherhood. METHODS: In this phenomenological study, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with nine female CSA survivors. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. RESULTS: The overarching theme of the study is: 'more understanding is needed', which refers to the participants' experience that greater understanding is needed from health professionals of the long-term effects of CSA on childbearing women. Most of the women had suffered from poor health, especially chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia and gynaecological diseases. All of them had suffered mental health consequences particularly anxiety, depression and PTSD. The majority had experienced flashbacks to the violence and disassociation. Many had experienced miscarriages, had deviations from normal pregnancies and births, such as prolonged labour, caesarean sections, induction of labour, vacuum extraction, bleeding and exaggerated pregnancy problems, such as great nausea and pelvic pain. All but one had a negative experience in one of their births. All of them had experienced a lack of understanding in the healthcare system, perceived abuse of power and felt vulnerable in those situations. All of them had a strong need for a sense of control and participation in decision-making in the childbearing process. Most of them had experienced problems in bonding with their children and some have had difficulties touching them. All of them were in dire need of protecting their children from potential violence and many expressed a tendency to overprotect them. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals need to have more knowledge and greater understanding of how healthcare services can be improved so that CSA survivors can have a better experience of the childbearing process.

Meaning of the spiritual aspects of health care in pregnancy and childbirth / Significado da dimensão espiritual do cuidado em saúde na gestação e no parto / Significado de la dimensión espiritual de la atención en la salud en el embarazo y en el parto

Abstract Objective: to know the importance of the spiritual aspects of health care during pregnancy and childbirth, in the light of complexity thinking. Method: qualitative research, based on complexity thinking. Twenty-seven postpartum women with children between one month and six months old participated in the study. The data were collected between August and November 2021, based on individual interviews with guiding questions. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results: three themes were obtained: The inseparability of spiritual care and emotional care; Connection between spirituality and the uterus - sacred temple; Alternative techniques for spiritual health care. Conclusion: the spiritual aspect of health care during pregnancy and childbirth can be considered an essential resource in the support of autonomy, security, and comfort. In addition, it can enable favorable outcomes in childbirth by strengthening the maternal-fetal attachment.

Resumo Objetivo: conhecer o significado da dimensão espiritual do cuidado em saúde na gestação e no parto, à luz do pensamento da complexidade. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, fundamentada no pensamento da complexidade. Participaram 27 puérperas com filhos entre um mês e seis meses de idade. Os dados foram coletados, entre agosto e novembro de 2021, a partir de entrevistas individuais, com questões norteadoras. Utilizou-se para a análise dos dados a Análise Temática. Resultados: obtiveram-se três temáticas: A indissociabilidade entre cuidado espiritual e cuidado emocional; Conexão entre dimensão espiritual e útero - templo sagrado; Técnicas alternativas e complementares de cuidado espiritual em saúde. Conclusão: a dimensão espiritual do cuidado em saúde na gestação e no parto pode ser considerada recurso essencial no despertar da autonomia, da segurança e do conforto, além de possibilitar desfechos favoráveis no parto pelo fortalecimento do vínculo materno-fetal.

Resumen Objetivo: conocer el significado de la dimensión espiritual de la atención en la salud durante el embarazo y el parto, a la luz del pensamiento de la complejidad. Método: investigación cualitativa, basada en el pensamiento de la complejidad. Participaron 27 puérperas con hijos entre un mes y seis meses. Los datos fueron recolectados entre agosto y noviembre de 2021, a partir de entrevistas individuales, con preguntas orientadoras. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el Análisis Temático. Resultados: se obtuvieron tres temas: La inseparabilidad entre el cuidado espiritual y el cuidado emocional; Conexión entre dimensión espiritual y útero - templo sagrado; Técnicas alternativas y complementarias del cuidado de la salud espiritual. Conclusión: la dimensión espiritual de la atención en la salud durante el embarazo y el parto puede ser considerada un recurso esencial en el despertar de la autonomía, la seguridad y el confort, además de posibilitar resultados favorables en el parto al fortalecer el vínculo materno-fetal.

The perception of Italian pregnant women and new mothers about their psychological wellbeing, lifestyle, delivery, and neonatal management experience during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, drastic measures for social distancing have been introduced also in Italy, likely with a substantial impact in delicate conditions like pregnancy and puerperium. The study aimed to investigate the changes in lifestyle, access to health services, and mental wellbeing during the first Italian lockdown in a sample of Italian pregnant women and new mothers. METHODS: We carried out a web-based survey to evaluate how pregnant women and new mothers were coping with the lockdown. We collected data about healthy habits (physical exercise and dietary habits), access to health services (care access, delivery and obstetric care, neonatal care, and breastfeeding), and mental wellbeing (psychological well-being and emotive support). Descriptive analysis was performed for both groups of participants, whereas a Poisson analysis was used to measure the association between some structural variables (age, education, socio-economic data, partner support, contact, free time, previous children, and pregnancy trimester) and anxiety or depression, difficulties in healthy eating and reduction in physical activity after lockdown started. Chi2 and Adjusted Prevalence Ratios were estimated only for pregnant women. RESULTS: We included 739 respondents (response rate 85.8 %), 600 were pregnant (81.2 %), and 139 (18.8 %) had delivered during lockdown (new mothers). We found a high score for anxiety and depression in 62.8 % of pregnant women and 61.9 % of new mothers. During the lockdown, 61.8 % of pregnant women reduced their physical exercise, and 44.3 % reported eating in a healthier way. 94.0 % of new mothers reported to have breastfed their babies during the hospital stay. Regarding the perceived impact of restrictive measures on breastfeeding, no impact was reported by 56.1 % of new mothers, whereas a negative one by 36.7 %. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women and new mothers should be a public health issue. Clinicians might also recommend and encourage "home" physical exercise. On the other hand, about half of the sample improved their approach towards healthy eating and a very high breastfeeding rate was reported soon after birth: these data are an interesting starting point to develop new strategies for public health.

The Recognition of Excessive blood loss At ChildbirTh (REACT) Study: a two-phase exploratory, sequential mixed methods inquiry using focus groups, interviews and a pilot, randomised crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore how childbirth-related blood loss is evaluated and excessive bleeding recognised; and to develop and test a theory of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) diagnosis. DESIGN: Two-phase, exploratory, sequential mixed methods design using focus groups, interviews and a pilot, randomised crossover study. SETTING: Two hospitals in North West England. SAMPLE: Women (following vaginal birth with and without PPH), birth partners, midwives and obstetricians. METHODS: Phase 1 (qualitative): 8 focus groups and 20 one-to-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women, 5 birth partners, 11 obstetricians, 1 obstetric anaesthetist and 19 midwives (n = 51). Phase 2 (quantitative): 11 obstetricians and ten midwives (n = 21) completed two simulations of fast and slow blood loss using a high-fidelity childbirth simulator. RESULTS: Responses to blood loss were described as automatic, intuitive reactions to the speed, nature and visibility of blood flow. Health professionals reported that quantifying volume was most useful after a PPH diagnosis, to validate intuitive decisions and guide ongoing management. During simulations, PPH treatment was initiated at volumes at or below 200 ml (fast mean blood loss 79.6 ml, SD 41.1; slow mean blood loss 62.6 ml, SD 27.7). All participants treated fast, visible blood loss, but only half treated slow blood loss, despite there being no difference in volumes (difference 18.2 ml, 95% CI -5.6 to 42.2 ml, P = 0.124). CONCLUSIONS: Experience and intuition, rather than blood loss volume, inform recognition of excessive blood loss after birth. Women and birth partners want more information and open communication about blood loss. Further research exploring clinical decision-making and how to support it is required. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: During a PPH, clinical decision-making is intuitive with clinicians treating as soon as excessive loss is recognised.

Expectativas e vivências no processo de parto, a partir do interacionismo simbólico / Expectations and experiences in the childbirth process from the perspective of symbolic interactionism / Expectativas y vivencias en el proceso del parto a partir del interaccionismo simbólico

OBJETIVO: Compreender as expectativas e vivências de mulheres primíparas no parto. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo tendo como referencial teórico o Interacionismo Simbólico. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de oficinas, entrevista semiestruturada no pré e pós-parto. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 11 mulheres no pré-parto e oficina e 05 no pós-parto. Foram identificadas duas categorias: Parto: experiência marcante; e Entre expectativas e vivências. DISCUSSÃO: Nas expectativas e na realidade, no momento do parto, estiveram presentes significados construídos e modificados pelas interações com profissionais e rede social. CONCLUSÃO: A vivência do parto pode ressignificar paradigmas culturais e sociais. A valorização das técnicas relacionais qualifica a assistência na direção da construção de significados e experiências.

OBJECTIVE: To understand expectations and experiences related to childbirth in primiparous women. METHODS: Descriptive and qualitative study that applied symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework. Data were collected during workshops with the pregnant participants, and by semi-structured interviews carried out before and after childbirth. Content analysis was used to analyze the gathered information. RESULTS: Eleven pregnant women and five postpartum women participated in the study. Two categories were identified: Childbirth: a remarkable experience; and Among expectations and experiences. DISCUSSION: Meanings developed and modified by interactions with professionals and social networks were present during childbirth, in both expectations and reality. CONCLUSION: Experiencing childbirth can resignify cultural and social paradigms. Recognizing relational techniques can improve quality of care by the inclusion of the development of meanings and experiences.

OBJETIVO: Comprender las expectativas y vivencias del parto en mujeres primerizas. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, cuyo referencial teórico fue el Interaccionismo Simbólico. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante talleres y entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicadas antes y después del parto. Datos analizados utilizando análisis de contenido. RESULTADOS: Participaron del estudio 11 mujeres en el preparto y el taller, y 5 en el posparto. Fueron identificadas dos categorías: Parto: experiencia trascendente; y Expectativas y vivencias. DISCUSIÓN: En las expectativas en la realidad, al momento del parto estuvieron presentes significados construidos y modificados por las interacciones con los profesionales y con la red social. CONCLUSIÓN: La vivencia del parto puede resignificar paradigmas culturales y sociales. La valoración de las técnicas relacionales califica la atención en el camino a la construcción de significados y experiencias.

Mothers' Experiences With Pregnancy and Childbirth Following Pediatric Living Liver Transplant Donation: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Half of pediatric living liver transplantation donors are mothers, including women of reproductive age. Reports on pregnancy and childbirth after living donor liver transplantation are limited to medical aspects, and mothers' experiences remain unclear. We describe the experiences of women who became pregnant and gave birth after living donor liver transplantation. METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive approach. Eleven women who became pregnant and delivered following pediatric living liver transplant donation participated in face-to-face, in-depth interviews. Data collected via semi-structured interviews were assessed using an inductive qualitative analysis. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: Women's experiences with pregnancy and childbirth following pediatric living liver transplant donation were categorized as follows: explanation and consultation on pregnancy and childbirth after liver donation; physical and mental burden after liver donation; concern about the effects of donor surgery on pregnancy and childbirth; consideration for own body; concern about the physical condition of my child, who is the recipient; and the presence of health professionals with which to easily consult. CONCLUSION: After donation, mothers are physically burdened and experiences anxiety about the physical condition of the recipient as well as about pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, continuous psychosocial support is necessary.

How pregnancy and childbirth affect the working conditions and careers of women surgeons in Japan: findings of a nationwide survey conducted by the Japan Surgical Society.

PURPOSE: To identify the conflicts between a career as a surgeon and pregnancy and childbirth for women in Japan. METHODS: The Japan Surgical Society conducted a nationwide survey on pregnancy and childbirth among its members who are women. The questionnaire included items regarding demography, working styles, and pregnancy and childbirth, including adverse events and harassment. RESULTS: The response rate was 29.9% (1068 responses, median age, 37 years). Among the responders, 61% were married and 47% had children (average number of children, 1.7). Half of the respondents reported having experienced sexual harassment and 62% reported having received unwelcome comments about pregnancy. About 20% had undergone fertility treatment. In total, 51% had pregnancies, with miscarriages in 33% of these. The top answer for the best timing for pregnancy and childbirth was after becoming board-certified. Nearly one-third of first-time mothers experienced adverse events during pregnancy and delivery, and 28% quit or changed their job because of their pregnancy and the birth of their first child. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese women who choose a career as a surgeon face obstacles during pregnancy and childbirth. It is vital to share the findings of this study and understand the issues associated with pregnancy and childbirth regardless of gender. Interventions are essential to ensure that every pregnant surgeon has a safe working environment to allow unobstructed development of her career.

Factors associated with a positive childbirth experience in Brazilian women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Having a positive childbirth experience is an increasingly valued outcome. Few studies evaluated the women's satisfaction with childbirth through face-to-face interviews out of the health service environment. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with a higher level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience among Brazilian women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 287 women giving birth in two hospitals in southern Brazil. Women who gave birth to healthy newborns at term were randomly selected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted 31-37 days after delivery, at the mothers' homes, using a structured questionnaire. Satisfaction with the childbirth experience was measured using a Likert-type scale ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: Following hierarchical multivariate analysis, the following factors remained associated with a higher level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience: being satisfied with antenatal care (PR=1.30; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]=1.06-1.59), understanding the information provided by health professionals during labor and delivery (PR=1.40; 95%CI=1.01-1.95), not having reported disrespect and abuse (PR=1.53; 95%CI=1.01-2.31), and having had the baby put to the breast within the first hour of life (PR=1.63; 95%CI=1.26-2.11). No association was observed with type of delivery or hospital status (public or private). CONCLUSIONS: A higher level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience is related to satisfactory antenatal care, a non-abusive, respectful, and informative environment during childbirth, and to the opportunity to breastfeed the baby within the first hour of life. In clinical practice, greater attention to these basic principles of care during pregnancy and delivery could provide more positive experiences during birth.

Covid-19 y oportunidades para el bienestar materno-infantil en Cuba / Covid-19 e oportunidades para o bem-estar materno-infantil em Cuba / Covid-19 and opportunities for maternal and child wellbeing in Cuba

El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los indicadores asociados al bienestar materno-infantil en los protocolos cubanos de actuación para la Covid-19. Con este fin, se realizó un análisis cualitativo de contenido que combinó una lógica deductiva derivada de la revisión bibliográfica de la literatura sobre bienestar materno-infantil y experiencia positiva del parto, y otra inductiva, con base en el procesamiento de la información empírica de los protocolos cubanos, según las recomendaciones de la OMS y la OPS. El análisis reveló que las guías enfatizan en la vida de la madre y el niño y priorizan la atención de las embarazadas como parte del acceso universal y gratuito a la salud; pero descuidan aspectos cualitativos del bienestar y la calidad del servicio, y con ello, los derechos de las gestantes y madres, y sus necesidades físicas, emocionales, psicológicas, sociales y espirituales. (AU)

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar os indicadores associados ao bem-estar materno-infantil nos protocolos de ação cubanos para o Covid-19. Por tanto, foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo qualitativa que combinou uma lógica dedutiva derivada da revisão bibliográfica da literatura sobre bem-estar materno-infantil e uma experiência positiva de parto, e uma indutiva, baseada no processamento de informações empíricas de protocolos cubanos, a luz das recomendações da OMS e da OPAS. A análise revelou que as orientações enfatizam a vida da mãe e do filho e priorizam o cuidado à gestante como parte do acesso universal e gratuito à saúde. Porém, negligenciam os aspectos qualitativos do bem-estar e da qualidade do serviço e, com isso, os direitos da gestante e da mãe, suas necessidades físicas, emocionais, psicológicas, sociais e espirituais. (AU)

The article aims to analyze indicators associated with maternal and child wellbeing in the Cuban Covid-19 action protocols. We carried out a qualitative content analysis that combined a deductive logic derived from a bibliographic review of the literature on maternal and child wellbeing and positive childbirth experiences, and an inductive logic based on the processing of empirical information from Cuban protocols, in light of the recommendations issued by WHO and PAHO. The analysis revealed that the instructions emphasize the mother's and child's life and prioritize care provided for pregnant women as part of free and universal access to health. However, they neglect the qualitative aspects of wellbeing and service quality and, with this, they also neglect the pregnant woman's and mother's rights, as well as their physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs. (AU)