Midwifery
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Hi-TENS combined with PCA-morphine as post caesarean pain relief.
to examine effectiveness and overall opiate consumption between high-sensory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Hi-TENS) combined with patient-controlled analgesia with morphine and patient-controlled analgesia with morphine alone following elective (e.g. scheduled) caesarean birth. ⋯ pain relief from a combination of Hi-TENS and patient-controlled analgesia with morphine was as effective as patient-controlled analgesia with morphine alone, produced less sedation and reduced morphine use by approximately 50%. Women undergoing a caesarean section should be given the opportunity to make an informed choice about post operative pain relief before surgery. A presumed benefit of this treatment combination is that the mother is more alert and better able to interact with her newborn during the first hours after birth without drowsiness due to large doses of opiates.
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Comparative Study
Cross-cultural comparison of levels of childbirth-related fear in an Australian and Swedish sample.
research, conducted predominately in Scandinavian countries, suggests that a substantial number of women experience high levels of fear concerning childbirth which can impact on birth outcomes, the mother-infant relationship and the ongoing mental health of the mother. The prevalence of childbirth-related fear (CBRF) is not well known outside of the Nordic nations. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of CBRF in two rural populations (Sweden and Australia) and to pilot a short, easy-to-administer measurement tool. ⋯ the high proportion of women identified with CBRF suggests a need for monitoring of women during pregnancy, particularly those with a previous negative birth experience. The FOBS developed for this study could be used as a screening tool to identify women who require further investigation. Further cross-cultural research is needed to explore the role of fear in women's preference for caesarean section.
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to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy using data from a longitudinal cohort study. ⋯ given the potential risks of some complementary and alternative medicine for pregnant women and their unborn child, it is essential that maternity care providers are adequately informed about these treatments and that further research investigates the details of such concurrent use.
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to explore first- and second-generation Pakistani women's experiences of maternity services and the inter generational differences/comparisons. ⋯ care given should be based on individual need but given within a wider collaborative context in order to support women effectively. Increased maternity service user involvement would also be welcomed for future planning of maternity services.