Disclosure of sensitive material at routine antenatal psychosocial assessment: The role of psychosocial risk and mode of assessment

ProblemWhile routine psychosocial assessment is acceptable to most pregnant women, some women will not fully disclose psychosocial concerns to their clinician.AimsTo assess the impact of psychosocial risk, current symptoms and mode of assessment on women’s honesty of disclosure at psychosocial assessment.MethodsLogistic regression was used to examine associations between disclosure and a range of psychosocial characteristics in women who were ‘always honest’ and ‘not always honest’. Mixed ANOVAs were used to test the influence of mode of assessment and honesty on scores on a repeated measure of psychosocial risk.Findings10.8% (N = 193 of 1788) of women did not fully disclose at psychosocial assessment. Non-disclosure was associated with a mental health history (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.18–2.67, p < 0.01) and lack of social and partner support (aOR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.16–2.62, p < 0.05; aOR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.11–3.90, p < 0.05, respectively). Those reporting not always being honest at face to face assessment showed a greater increase in psychosocial risk score when the assessment was repeated online via self-report, compared to women who were always honest.DiscussionA history of mental health issues and lack of social and partner support are associated with reduced disclosure at face to face assessment. Online self-report assessment may promote greater disclosure, however this should always be conducted in the context of clinician feedback.ConclusionGreater psychosocial vulnerability is associated with a lower likelihood of full disclosure. Preliminary findings relating to mode of assessment warrant further exploration within a clinical context.     

Opportunities for enhancing pregnancy planning and preconception health behaviours of Australian women

Problem and backgroundThe preconception period provides a significant opportunity to engage women in healthy behaviour change for improved maternal and child health outcomes. However, there is limited research exploring women’s pregnancy planning in Australia.AimThis study investigated associations between pregnancy planning, socio-demographics and preconception health behaviours in Australian women.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional survey of pregnant women ≥18-years-of-age recruited through a Victorian public maternity service and a national private health insurer.ResultsOverall 317 women (30 ± 4.7 years) participated (public: n = 225, private: n = 92). Planned pregnancies were reported by 74% of women and were independently associated with marital status (AOR = 5.71 95% CI 1.92–17.00, p = 0.002); having ≤2 children (AOR = 3.75 95% CI 1.28–11.05, p = 0.016); and having private health insurance (AOR = 2.51 95% CI 1.08–5.81, p = 0.03). Overall, women reported preconception: any folic-acid supplementation (59%), up-to-date cervical screening (68%), weight management attempts (75%), accessing information from health professionals (57%) and immunisation reviews (47%). Pregnancy planners were more likely to use folic-acid (AOR = 17.13 95% CI 7.67–38.26, p < 0.001), review immunisations (AOR = 2.09 95% CI 1.07–4.10, p = 0.03) and access information (AOR = 3.24 95% CI 1.75–6.00, p < 0.001) compared to non-planners. Women <25-years-of-age were less likely to access information (AOR = 0.38 95% CI 0.16–0.89, p = 0.03) and take folic-acid (AOR = 0.23 95% CI 0.09–0.59, p = 0.002) and were more likely to smoke 3-months preconception (AOR = 6.68 95% CI 1.24–36.12, p = 0.03).ConclusionsWomen with planned and unplanned pregnancies reported variable preconception health behaviour uptake and limited healthcare engagement. Opportunities exist to improve awareness and healthcare engagement for optimising preconception health and pregnancy planning benefits including collaborative health promotion. Population-based and targeted approaches reaching pregnancy planners and non-planners are required.     

Unintended pregnancy and intimate partner violence around pregnancy in a population-based study

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) and unintended pregnancy are public health issues that can affect the health and well-being of women and their children. However, the relationship between IPV and women's ability to control their fertility has not been adequately explored.AimTo investigate the association between unintended pregnancy and emotional or physical violence perpetrated by partners around pregnancy.MethodsA population-based study was undertaken, recruiting women (n = 779) at the hospital obstetric departments and gathering social and family data. IPV was diagnosed by using the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA). Data were gathered by trained midwives in 15 public hospitals in southern Spain and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.FindingsThe pregnancy was reported to be unintended by 118 (15.1%) of the study population. Unintended pregnancy was significantly associated with: physical and/or emotional IPV around pregnancy, age, marital status, cohabitation, educational level, and employment status. After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, emotional IPV around pregnancy was significantly associated with an unintended pregnancy (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.5–4.3). Being in a non-committed relationship was a risk factor (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.8–6.1) and being in employment a protective factor (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2–0.8) for an unintended pregnancy.ConclusionWomen who report an unintended pregnancy may be experiencing emotional IPV. The risk of emotional IPV is higher if women reporting an unintended pregnancy are in a committed relationship, married, or in employment. A better understanding of the relationship between unintended pregnancy and violence can aid midwives about potential reproductive health risk factors associated with abuse.     

Factors associated with a positive childbirth experience in Brazilian women: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHaving a positive childbirth experience is an increasingly valued outcome. Few studies evaluated the women’s satisfaction with childbirth through face-to-face interviews out of the health service environment. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with a higher level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience among Brazilian women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 287 women giving birth in two hospitals in southern Brazil. Women who gave birth to healthy newborns at term were randomly selected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted 31–37 days after delivery, at the mothers’ homes, using a structured questionnaire. Satisfaction with the childbirth experience was measured using a Likert-type scale ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance.ResultsFollowing hierarchical multivariate analysis, the following factors remained associated with a higher level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience: being satisfied with antenatal care (PR = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.06−1.59), understanding the information provided by health professionals during labor and delivery (PR = 1.40; 95%CI = 1.01−1.95), not having reported disrespect and abuse (PR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.01−2.31), and having had the baby put to the breast within the first hour of life (PR = 1.63; 95%CI = 1.26−2.11). No association was observed with type of delivery or hospital status (public or private).ConclusionsA higher level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience is related to satisfactory antenatal care, a non-abusive, respectful, and informative environment during childbirth, and to the opportunity to breastfeed the baby within the first hour of life. In clinical practice, greater attention to these basic principles of care during pregnancy and delivery could provide more positive experiences during birth.     

The profile of women who consult midwives in Australia

BackgroundThere is no Australian data on the characteristics of women who consult with midwives.AimTo determine the profile of women who consult midwives in Australia.MethodsThis cross-sectional research was conducted as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Participants were the younger (31–36 years) cohort of the ALSWH who completed a survey in 2009, and indicated that they were currently pregnant (n = 801). The main outcome measure was consultation with a midwife.FindingsOf the 801 women who indicated that they were currently pregnant at the time of the survey, 19%, 42%, and 70% of women in the first, second and third trimesters respectively had consulted with a midwife. Women were more likely to consult a midwife if they: also consulted with a hospital doctor (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.66, 4.40); also consulted with a complementary and alternative medicine practitioner (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.03); were depressed (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.28); constipated (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.13); or had been diagnosed or treated for hypertension during pregnancy (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.27, 6.09). Women were less likely (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.56) to consult with a midwife if they had private health insurance.ConclusionWomen were more likely to consult with midwives in conjunction with consultations with hospital doctors or complementary and alternative medicine practitioners. Women with private health insurance were less likely to consult midwives. More research is necessary to determine the implications of the lack of midwifery care for these women.     

Prenatal stress,health, and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey

BackgroundPregnant women’s stress, mental and physical health, and health behaviours can have important implications for maternal and child health outcomes.AimTo examine pregnant women’s levels of stress, mental and physical health, and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted online, with recruitment and data collection occurring between 16/6/20 and 17/7/20. Participants were pregnant women recruited via online pregnancy/parenting communities. Participants self-reported their levels of general stress, pregnancy-specific stress and COVID-19 related stress, mental and physical health, general health behaviours, and COVID-19 related health behaviours.Findings573 pregnant women participated in the survey. Participants were most commonly resident in the United States (42.6%, n = 243), Ireland (41.2%, n = 235) or the United Kingdom (10%, n = 57). The majority (80.0%, n = 457) were married and educated to degree level or above (79.3, n = 453). Pregnant women reported high levels of pregnancy-specific and COVID-19-related stress, and low levels of mental and physical health, during the pandemic. Encouragingly, pregnant women in this study generally reported high levels of adherence to public health advice and pregnancy health behaviours. Stress and general mental health outcomes were best predicted by well-being factors (including stress and social support). Health impairing behaviours (e.g. poor diet) were predicted by both well-being and demographic factors.DiscussionInterventions targeting pregnancy- and pandemic-specific stress at the population level will be essential to support mental health and minimise adverse outcomes for women and children during the pandemic.     

Implementing innovative evidence-based perinatal mental health screening for women of refugee background

ProblemNational guidelines recommend repeated screening for depression and anxiety for all women in the perinatal period. Routine screening in pregnancy is limited due to service, community and individual barriers.BackgroundPerinatal depression and perinatal anxiety affect up to 20% of all women. Women of refugee background are at even greater risk for perinatal mental health conditions due to refugee experiences and resettlement stressors.AimTo evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a perinatal mental health screening program for women of refugee background from the perspective of health professionals.MethodsA mixed methods design guided by the Normalization Process Theory was used. Data were collected at a dedicated refugee antenatal clinic in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. An online survey (n = 38), focus groups (n = 2; 13 participants) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8; 11 participants) with health professionals were conducted.FindingsUnder the four constructs of the Normalization Process Theory, health professionals reported improvements in identifying and referring women with mental health issues, more open and in-depth conversations with women about mental health and valued using an evidenced-based measure. Key issues included professional development, language barriers and time constraints.DiscussionImplementing a perinatal mental health screening program has been positively received. Strategies for sustainability include professional development and the addition of audio versions of the measures.ConclusionThis perinatal mental health screening program is acceptable and a feasible option for health professionals. Health professionals value providing more holistic care and have more open discussion with women about mental health.     

Factors associated with breastfeeding to 3 months postpartum among women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: An exploratory study

ProblemBreastfeeding has significant health benefits for maternal and infant health, yet women with pre-pregnancy diabetes (type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus) are often less likely to breastfeed compared with other childbearing women.BackgroundIntention to breastfeed and making the decision to breastfeed during pregnancy are significant predictors of breastfeeding in the general population, but intention to breastfeed has not been assessed during pregnancy among women with pre-pregnancy diabetes.AimTo investigate factors associated with breastfeeding to three months postpartum, including demographic, health and reproductive characteristics, perceived support and pre-birth intention to breastfeed, among women with pre-pregnancy diabetes.MethodsA prospective cohort of women with pre-pregnancy diabetes was recruited at three metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Women completed surveys during the third trimester of pregnancy (including intention to breastfeed) and at approximately 3 months postpartum (including current breastfeeding). Factors associated with any breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum were investigated using logistic regression.FindingsPregnancy surveys were completed by 79 women; three-month postpartum data were available for 47 women. Of these, more than two-thirds (n = 32, 68%) indicated that they were breastfeeding. Controlling for other relevant variables, only pre-birth intention to breastfeed was significantly associated with any breastfeeding at three months (Adjusted Odds Ratio (95% confidence intervals, p) = 20.49 (20.18–20.80, 0.017)).DiscussionPre-birth intention to breastfeed was the only significant predictor of continued breastfeeding to 3 months postpartum.ConclusionPregnancy provides an important opportunity for health professionals to educate and support women with pre-pregnancy diabetes about their breastfeeding intentions.     

Outcome evaluation of an educational program for Japanese midwives to promote breast awareness for women

AimThe objective of this study was to evaluate educational approaches for midwives to promote breast awareness for postnatal women by measuring the knowledge, attitude and practice of midwives.MethodsA nonequivalent control design comparing two intervention groups and control group was used. Participants were Japanese midwives agreeing to this study. Midwives in the program group attended the program; those in the text group only read the textbook. Midwives in the control group neither attended the program nor learned by textbook. All measurements were administered at baseline, one-month post-program, and three-month post-program.ResultsAmong 215 participants, 168 midwives (45 program, 62 text, and 61 control) remained until three month follow-up. The knowledge test score was found to have significant mutual interactions between the three groups and time (F = 14.2, df = 4, p < 0.001). However, the attitudes did not differ between the three groups. Implementation rates for midwifery practice incorporating breast awareness education for postpartum women were different at one month and three months between the three groups. Implementation of breast awareness education at three months revealed the following factors: program group (OR 5.4, 95%CI [1.3–21.8]; text group: OR 0.7, 95%CI [0.2–2.7]) and implementation of breast awareness education at the first time measurement (OR 18.6, 95%CI [4.6–73.9]).ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that the educational program increased midwives’ knowledge and contributed to the continuation implementing breast awareness education for postpartum women about three months after testing.     

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health in Spain: Positive and negative outcomes

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that perinatal distress has a negative influence on pregnancy outcome and the physiological development of the baby.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal perinatal mental health in Spain.MethodsSeven hundred and twenty-four women (N = 450 pregnancy, N = 274 postpartum) were recruited online during the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale were administered. Variables related to sociodemographic information, the COVID-19 pandemic, and perinatal care were also assessed.FindingsThe results showed that 58% of women reported depressive symptoms. Moreover, 51% of women reported anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, a regression analysis for life satisfaction showed that besides the perception about their own health, marital status or being a health practitioner were also significant predictors during pregnancy. However, perception about baby’s health and sleep, perception about their own health, and marital status were significant predictors of life satisfaction during the postpartum stage.DiscussionWomen assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic reported high rates of psychological distress.ConclusionThese results highlight the need of clinical support during this period. Knowing the routes to both distress and well-being may help maternity services to effectively cope with the pandemic.     

A cross-sectional study to determine utility of childbirth fear screening in maternity practice – An Australian perspective

BackgroundLow intensity anxiety in pregnancy is normal however high levels of fear affect between 20% and 25% of women, with around 10% suffering severe levels. Research from Scandinavian countries includes women with severe levels of fear, with little work undertaken in Australia. This paper explores predictors of fear and the relative benefits of screening women for childbirth fear at high or severe levels.MethodA secondary analysis of data collected for the BELIEF study was conducted to determine differences for demographic, psycho-social and obstetric factors in women with severe fear (W-DEQ ≥85, n = 68) compared to women with less or no fear (n = 1318). Women with severe fear (W-DEQ ≥85, n = 68) were also compared to those with high fear scores (W-DEQ ≥66–84, n = 265). Logistic regression modelling was used to ascertain if screening for high or severe levels of fear is most optimal.Results1386 women completed the W-DEQ. There were no differences on demographic variables between women with severe or high fear. Depression symptoms, decisional conflict and low self-efficacy predicted high and severe fear levels. Nulliparity was a predictor of high fear. A previous operative birth and having an unsupportive partner were predictors of high fear in multiparous women.ConclusionPsychosocial factors were associated with both high and severe fear levels. Screening for severe fear may detect women with pre-existing mental health problems that are exacerbated by fear of birth. Australian women with high childbirth fear levels (W-DEQ ≥66) should be identified and provided appropriate support.     

Caesarean delivery before 39 weeks associated with selecting an auspicious time for birth in Taiwan

BackgroundCaesarean delivery before 39 weeks of gestation increases the risk of morbidity among infants. Taiwan has one of the highest caesarean rates in the world, but little attention has been paid to this issue. This study aimed to describe the rate of caesarean delivery before 39 weeks gestation among women who did not have labour signs and had a non-emergency caesarean delivery in Taiwan and to examine whether the phenomenon was associated with the Chinese cultural practice of selecting an auspicious time for birth.MethodsWe recruited women at 15–28 weeks of pregnancy at 5 hospitals in northern Taiwan and followed them at 4 or 5 weeks after delivery using structured questionnaires. This analysis included 150 primiparous mothers with a singleton pregnancy who had a non-emergency caesarean delivery without the presence of labour signs.ResultsNinety-three of these women (62.0%) had caesarean deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression analysis showed that women who had selected an auspicious time for delivery (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.15–6.95) and delivered in medical centres (OR = 5.26, 95% CI: 2.25–12.26) were more likely to deliver before 39 weeks of gestation.ConclusionNon-emergency caesarean delivery before 39 weeks of gestation was common among the study women, and was related to the Chinese cultural practice of selecting an auspicious time for birth. Further studies are needed to examine the risks and benefits associated with timing of caesarean delivery in Taiwan in order to generate a consensus among obstetricians and give pregnant women appropriate information.     

Tobacco use in the third trimester of pregnancy and its relationship to birth weight. A prospective study in Spain

BackgroundFew studies have been carried out in Spain examining the use of tobacco amongst expectant mothers and its effect on birth weight.AimsTo observe the proportion of expectant mothers who smoke during their pregnancy, and the impact of tobacco consumption on maternal and birth weight. We also aimed to identify the trimester of pregnancy in which tobacco use produced the greatest reduction in birth weight.MethodsProspective observational study in Spain. A random sampling strategy was used to select health centres and participant women. A total of 137 individuals were enrolled in the study. Exposure to tobacco was measured through a self-reported questionnaire. Regressions were performed to obtain a predictive model for birth weight related to smoking.FindingsOverall, 35% of study participants were smokers during the pre-gestational period (27% in the first trimester, 21.9% in the second and 21.2% in the third). 38.7% of smoking cessation attempts took place in the third-trimester. Pregnant women who smoked up to the third trimester had a higher risk of giving birth to a baby under 3000 g, compared to non-smokers (OR = 5.94, CI 95%: 1.94–18.16). Each additional unit of tobacco consumed daily in the 3rd trimester led to a 32 g reduction in birth weight.ConclusionAn important proportion of pregnant women in Spain smoke during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to tobacco have newborns with lower birth weight. Smoking during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy is associated with the greatest risk of lower birth weight.     

The views and attitudes of health professionals providing antenatal care to women with a high BMI: A qualitative research study

BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing amongst women of child bearing age. The objective of this study was to investigate the views and attitudes of providers of antenatal care for women who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² and over.MethodsA qualitative study using focus groups was undertaken within the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a large teaching hospital in south-eastern Australia. Three focus group discussions were held. One with hospital midwives (n = 10), one with continuity of care midwives (n = 18) and one with obstetricians (n = 5). Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).FindingsSix dominant themes emerged: (1) obesity puts the health of mothers, babies and health professionals at risk; (2) overweight and obesity has become the norm; (3) weighing women and advising about weight gain is out of fashion; (4) weight is a sensitive topic to discuss; (5) there are significant barriers to weight control in pregnancy; and (6) health professionals and women need to deal with maternal obesity. These themes are drawn together to form a model representing current health care issues for these women.ConclusionHealth professionals, who have a high BMI, can find it difficult to discuss obesity during antenatal visits with obese women. Specialist dietary interventions and evidence based guidelines for working with child-bearing women is seen as a public health priority by health care professionals.     

The self-prescribed use of aromatherapy oils by pregnant women

BackgroundWhile some studies have reported effectiveness of aromatherapy oils use during labour there is no reported evidence of efficacy or risks of aromatherapy oils use for pregnancy-related symptoms or conditions. A number of aromatherapy oils are unsafe for use by pregnant women yet there is currently no research examining the prevalence and characteristics of women who use aromatherapy oils during pregnancy.AimTo conduct an empirical study of the prevalence and characteristics of women who use aromatherapy oils during pregnancy.MethodsThe research was conducted as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), focusing on the nationally representative sample of Australian women aged 31–36 years. Data were collected via a cross-sectional questionnaire (n = 8200) conducted in 2009.ResultsSelf-prescribed aromatherapy oils were used by 15.2% of pregnant women. Pregnant women were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.43) times more likely to self-prescribe use of aromatherapy oils if they have allergies or hayfever, and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.34, 3.79) times more likely to self-prescribe use of aromatherapy oils if they have a urinary tract infection (UTI).ConclusionOur study highlights a considerable use of aromatherapy oils by pregnant women. There is a clear need for greater communication between practitioners and patients regarding the use of aromatherapy oils during pregnancy, as well a need for health care practitioners to be mindful that pregnant women in their care may be using aromatherapy oils, some of which may be unsafe.     

Breaking through the silence in antenatal care: Fetal movement and stillbirth education

BackgroundFetal movements are a key indicator of fetal health. Research has established significant correlations between altered fetal activity and stillbirth. However, women are generally unaware of this relationship. Providing pregnant women with information about the importance of fetal movements could improve stillbirth rates. However, there are no consistent fetal movements awareness messages globally for pregnant women.AimsThis study aimed to explore the antenatal care experiences of Australian mothers who had recently had a live birth to determine their knowledge of fetal movements, the nature and source of that information.MethodsAn online survey method was used for 428 women who had a live birth and received antenatal care in Australia. Women’s knowledge of fetal movements, stillbirth risk, and the sources of this knowledge was explored.FindingsA large proportion of participants (84.6%; n = 362) stated they had been informed by health care professionals of the importance of fetal movements during pregnancy. Open-ended responses indicate that fetal movements messages are often myth based. Awareness that stillbirth occurs was high (95.2%; n = 398), although, 65% (n = 272) were unable to identify the current incidence of stillbirth in Australia.ConclusionWomen who received antenatal care have high-awareness of fetal movements, but the information they received was inconsistent. Participants knew stillbirth occurred but did not generally indicate they had obtained that knowledge from health care professionals. We recommend a consistent approach to fetal movements messaging throughout pregnancy which focuses on stillbirth prevention.     

Pregnancy care and birth outcomes for women with moderate to super-extreme obesity

PurposeTo describe the health service utilisation and birth outcomes of pregnant women with moderate to super-extreme obesity.BackgroundMaternal obesity is increasingly recognised as a key risk factor for adverse outcomes for both women and their babies. Little is known about the service utilisation and perinatal outcomes of women with obesity beyond a body mass index of 40.MethodWomen with a self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI of 40 or more, who had received care and birthed a baby at the study site between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010. Clinical audit was used to identify the health service utilisation and birth outcomes of these women.Results153 women had a BMI of 40 or more. Women saw 6 different health professionals during pregnancy (1–16). Most of their visits were with a medical practitioner, often with limited experience, and almost all women only saw a midwife once at their booking visit (n = 150, 98.0%). While the majority of women experienced a normal pregnancy, free from any complications, almost half the women in this study experienced a caesarean section (n = 74, 48.4%).ConclusionClinical audit has been useful in providing additional information which suggests current maternity care provision is not meeting the needs of this group of women. The model of antenatal care provision may be a mediating factor in the birth outcomes experienced by obese women. The development of effective, targeted antenatal care, designed to meet the needs of these women is recommended.     

Impact of having a high-risk pregnancy on future postpartum contraceptive method choice

BackgroundTo compare the knowledge and preference of preconceptional contraception to future postpartum contraceptive method choice in high-risk pregnancies.Research questionDoes a high-risk pregnancy condition affect future postpartum contraceptive method choice?MethodWomen hospitalised at the High Risk Pregnancy unit of a tertiary research and training hospital were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, presence of unintended pregnancy, contraceptive method of choice before the current pregnancy, plans for contraceptive use following delivery and requests for any contraceptive counselling in the postpartum period.FindingsA total of 655 pregnant women were recruited. The mean age, gravidity and parity of the women were 27.48 ± 6.25 years, 2.81 ± 2.15 and 1.40 ± 1.77, respectively. High-risk pregnancy indications included 207 (31.6%) maternal, 396 (60.5%) foetal and 52 (7.9%) uterine factors. All postpartum contraceptive choices except for combined oral contraceptives (COCs) usage were significantly different from preconceptional contraceptive preferences (p < 0.001). High-risk pregnancy indications, future child bearing, ideal number of children, income and education levels were the most important factors influencing postpartum contraceptive choices. While the leading contraceptive method in the postpartum period was long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (non-hormonal copper intrauterine device Cu-IUD, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) (40%), the least preferred method was COCs use (5.2%) and preference of COCs use showed no difference between the preconceptional and postpartum periods (p = 0.202). Overall 73.7% of the women wanted to receive contraceptive counselling before their discharge.ConclusionA high-risk pregnancy condition may change the opinion and preference of contraceptive use, and also seems to affect the awareness of family planning methods.     

Understanding staff views and experiences of a clinical practice change to reduce stillbirth in South Asian women: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundIn July 2017, Victoria’s largest maternity service implemented a new clinical practice guideline to reduce the rates of term stillbirth in women of South Asian background.AimTo capture the views and experiences of clinical staff following the implementation of the new clinical guideline.MethodsCross sectional survey of clinical staff providing maternity care in August 2018, 12 months post implementation. Staff were asked to provide their agreement with ten statements assessing: perceived need for the guideline, implementation processes, guideline clarity, and clinical application. Open-ended questions provided opportunities to express concerns and offer suggestions for improvement. The frequency of responses to each question were tabulated. Open ended responses were grouped together to identify themes.FindingsA total of 120 staff completed the survey, most (n = 89, 74%) of whom were midwives. Most staff thought the rationale (n = 95, 79%), the criteria for whom they applied (83%, n = 99), and the procedures and instructions within the guideline were clear (74%, n = 89). Staff reported an increase in workload (72%, n = 86) and expressed concerns related to rationale and evaluation of the guidelines, lack of education for both staff and pregnant South Asian women, increased workload and insufficient resources, patient safety and access to care. Challenges relating to shared decision making and communicating with women whose first language is not English were also identified.DiscussionThis study has identified key barriers to and opportunities for improving implementation and highlighted additional challenges relating to new clinical guidelines which focus on culturally and linguistically diverse women.