Midwifery
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To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) when used prenatal, explore the dimensionality of the scale and describe its effectiveness in identifying depression. ⋯ The Icelandic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a valid and reliable one-dimensional instrument suitable to screen for depression prenatally. We recommend using score 11 or higher as a cut-off. If women score 11, they should be re-assessed two weeks later, but if they score 12 or higher, they should be referred directly for a further assessment. A time gap of two to four weeks does weaken the scale's ability to discriminate between those suffering from Major Depression and those who screen negative.
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To elicit pregnant women's perceptions of childbirth as expressed in their birth plans, and through a feminist lens analyse their wishes, fears, values, and beliefs about childbirth, as well as their expectations on partner and midwife. ⋯ Women primarily desired a natural, midwife-supported birth and favoured a relationship-based, woman-centred model of care, based on the close interaction between woman, partner, and midwife. Midwives need to be aware of women's ambiguous reliance on them and the power they have to influence women's birth choices and birth experiences. Feminist theory and values in midwifery practice may be useful to inspire a maternity care based on women's wishes and expectations, acknowledging and valuing women's voices, and embracing the sanctity of birth and of the birthing woman's body.
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Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP) is a very common complaint. Although many women recover after a birth, about a third continue to have symptoms three months postpartum and 8.5% of women still have persistent symptoms two years afterwards. Knowledge of prognostic factors may help understand the course of PPGP and inform management. ⋯ Potentially modifiable factors during pregnancy seem to impact the prognosis of PPGP postpartum.
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Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with new needs for mothers, especially an eagerness for information. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Happy-Mums.be website meets the expectations and needs of its future users. ⋯ Happy-Mums.be meets the needs and expectations of parents and professionals in terms of both content and design. More specifically, the quality of the information found on Happy-Mums.be was judged to be significantly better than the information found on other websites.
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To analyse midwifery teachers' pedagogic approaches to remediation for student midwives with poor clinical reasoning skills. ⋯ Midwifery teachers should be trained to recognise their students' clinical reasoning issues to identify them early, using all types of learning activities. Remedial strategies should be implemented promptly, adapted to each student and foster the transfer of learning.