Journal of midwifery & women's health
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Despite the widespread application of standard aseptic techniques during vaginal birth, cesarean birth, and/or termination of pregnancy, postpregnancy infections remain a significant source of maternal morbidity and mortality. Obstetric infection accounts for more than 12% of maternal deaths. ⋯ Infection is estimated to be the second highest cause of under-reported maternal death in the United States. This article identifies measures to aid in primary prevention and recognition of obstetric infections in order to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
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J Midwifery Womens Health · May 2008
ReviewTraveler's diarrhea: an update on prevention and treatment.
Traveler's diarrhea is a condition that disrupts work and vacation, and affects many women traveling from developed countries to developing countries. Specific food and hygiene education may help to decrease the occurrence of this common food and water-borne gastrointestinal infection. ⋯ Treatment for traveler's diarrhea in mild cases may involve simply maintaining hydration. In moderate cases that disrupt the travel itinerary antibiotics and antimotility agents can be used.
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J Midwifery Womens Health · Mar 2008
US midwives' knowledge and use of sterile water injections for labor pain.
The purpose of this research study was to identify and describe US midwives' knowledge and use of sterile water injections to relieve pain during labor. Research studies have shown that injections of sterile water to relieve low back pain during labor are effective with good maternal satisfaction. However, no knowledge is available about their use by midwives in the United States. ⋯ Most midwives give the injections between contractions, with the assistance of another person, and report very good pain relief. Of those not using sterile water injections, most had no experience or training in use of the method and were interested in learning more about their use. While sterile water injections are a good treatment for back pain during labor, there is a lack of knowledge among midwives about this method of pain relief during labor and an interest in knowing more.