Complex Midwifery Care

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse the evidence base for the care and management of the woman and her fetus/neonate where variations occur during the childbirth continuum.
• Evaluate the role of the midwife, in facilitating holistic woman centred care and transition to motherhood for women with complex pregnancies.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology and the bio-behavioural factors that predispose the woman to an increased risk of complexity during pregnancy and birth
• Examine the care required for women with specific health or social needs and know how to effectively refer to other professionals or agencies where appropriate.
• Discuss the policies (local, national and international as appropriate) and maternity services systems that influence the provision of maternity care to women with complex needs.

Application of relevant epidemiology, pathophysiology, genetic /genomics, psychosocial, ethical, legal, pharmacological, aspects across the childbirth continuum for women centred high quality care (including for her fetus), to the topics listed below included related investigations. Interprofessional /inter agency referral and working is encompassed throughout the module.

This list is not exhaustive but will include:

• Infertility and assisted conception
• Obesity
• Polycystic ovaries
• Endometriosis
• Unplanned pregnancy/Termination of Pregnancy / Miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy
• Hydatiform mole
• Bleeding in early pregnancy

Medical and surgical conditions (pathological and co-morbidities)

• Diabetes and other endocrine disorders such those of the thyroid
• Other pre existing conditions such as Cardiac disease, Asthma, Epilepsy, Acute Kidney Injury
• Maternal infection – Sexual Transmitted Infection, human immunodeficiency virus, sepsis, Hepatitis A B C
• Caesarean Section

Pregnancy Related Conditions

• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Hypertensive disorders – pre eclampsia, Pregnancy induced hypertension, essential Hypertension, HELLP syndrome
• Cholestasis/ Fatty Liver disease
• Anaemia
• Multiple pregnancy
• Haematological conditions

Intrapartum Conditions

• Mal presentation
• Mal Position
• Preterm labour - diagnosis and management and
• Post term labour/induction of labour/augmentation of labour

Programme threads are linked throughout and include:

• Baby Friendly principles
• Medicines management
• Mental health and well-being
• Values Based Journey

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures

Group work

Practical /skills workshops

Self-directed learning

Technology Enhanced Learning

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Hall M, Smith S, Noble A. (2009). A Foundation for Neonatal Care: A Multi-Disciplinary Guide. Radcliff Publishing.

Stables D and Rankin J. Physiology in Childbearing.. Edinburgh: Elsevier.

Knight M, Kenyon S, Brocklehurst P, Neilson J, Shakepearce J, Kurinczuk JJ (2016). Saving Lives, Improving Mother’s care; lessons learned to inform maternity care from the Uk and Ireland Confidential enquiries intyo Maternal deaths and Morbidity 2009-2014. Oxford: National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit..

Downie G and Mackenzie J (2010). Calculating Drug Doses Safely.. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Robson S and Waugh J (2013). Medical Disorders in Pregnancy. A Manual for Midwives.. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons.

Hollins C and Forrest E (2013). Bereavement Care for Childbearing women and their Families: An Interactive workbook. Abingdon: Routledge.

Williamson A and Crozier K (2008). Neonatal Care: A Textbook for Student Midwives and Nurses.. Banbury: Lantern Publishing Ltd..

James DK; Steer PJ; Weiner CP; Gonik B (2011). High Risk Pregnancy: Management Options. London: Saunders.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: External