Journal of midwifery & women's health
-
This article reviews the different disease entities that fall under the classification of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). The conditions included range from molar pregnancy to the malignant forms of gestational trophoblastic neoplasm (GTN). These disorders all arise from abnormal placental trophoblastic development. ⋯ Although the management of GTD and GTN falls outside the scope of midwifery practice, midwives need to be aware of the incidence, risk factors, and symptoms for specific types of GTD in order to be able to diagnose and refer for treatment in a timely manner. Psychosocial aspects that affect the woman who has not only had a pregnancy loss but also may be faced with a life-threatening illness are examined. The role of the midwife in the management, counseling, and follow-up of GTD and GTN is discussed.
-
J Midwifery Womens Health · May 2012
ReviewAssessment and management options for women with vulvodynia.
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain disorder that affects sexual function in adult women. The etiology of vulvodynia is poorly understood, making the condition difficult to diagnose and treat. ⋯ This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, educational strategies, and treatment options for vulvodynia with the aim of increasing primary care providers' knowledge and assessment skills. Physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatment modalities are explored in depth.
-
J Midwifery Womens Health · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of LI4 acupressure on labor pain in the first stage of labor.
Complementary and alternative medicines have been used to decrease labor pain for many years. Despite reports that some of these methods reduce pain, increase maternal satisfaction, and improve other obstetric outcomes, they have received limited attention in the US medical literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LI4 acupressure on labor pain in the first stage of labor, on labor duration, and on patient satisfaction. ⋯ LI4 acupressure was effective at decreasing pain and duration of labor. The participants were satisfied, and no adverse effects were noted.
-
J Midwifery Womens Health · Jan 2012
Case ReportsEpidural fever and its implications for mothers and neonates: taking the heat.
Epidural fever is a maternal temperature elevation seen in women who use epidural analgesia during labor. It occurs in a subset of laboring women after epidural administration and is noninfectious in origin. ⋯ Because of this, neonates born to mothers who experience fever during labor are often evaluated for sepsis. Potential solutions to this problem include establishing better methods to distinguish between epidural fever and chorioamnionitis and making alternative methods of pain relief available to laboring women.
-
J Midwifery Womens Health · Jan 2012
Comparative StudySkilled birth attendants in Mexico: how does care during normal birth by general physicians, obstetric nurses, and professional midwives compare with World Health Organization evidence-based practice guidelines?
We evaluated the quality of basic obstetric care provided by Mexican general physicians, obstetric nurses, and professional midwives compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for evidence-based practices and national guidelines. ⋯ Professional midwives and obstetric nurses perform equally or better than general physicians when assessed by use or misuse of evidence-based practices. Professional midwives are an underutilized resource in Mexico. If integrated into the mainstream Mexican health system, they may improve the quality of obstetric care.