Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare最新文献

{"title":"This might hurt: Healthcare provider’s experience of managing pain during intrauterine device insertions in Victoria, Australia","authors":"Hannah Wood ,&nbsp;Cassandra Caddy ,&nbsp;Henrietta Williams ,&nbsp;Cathy Watson ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Coombe","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) with relatively low uptake in Australia. They are typically inserted in primary care settings by trained general practitioners. Most patients report some pain during this procedure, yet health care provider (HCP) perspectives on pain management during IUD insertions is not well understood.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted in 2024 with 16 HCPs who have inserted at least one IUD (outside of a training context) since 2020, in Victoria, Australia. Data were thematically analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes were identified: managing pain requires diverse and adaptable strategies, conflicts in duty of care, awareness of and response to patient’s expected and actual pain, and systemic barriers to pain management. Participants felt that a standardised approach to pain management for IUD insertions was unsuitable, and pain management for this procedure requires patient preparation and flexible pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical strategies. Maintaining patient-centred care whilst inserting the IUD and managing pain was challenging, particularly as participants observed discrepancies in verbal and non-verbal cues from patients. Clinical and structural barriers impacted their ability to provide this level of care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Most participants expressed satisfaction with current pain management methods, and some pain was viewed as expected for this procedure, revealing a possible disconnect between provider and patient expectations. Findings indicate that updated clinical guidelines, funding that reflects the time and skill required to complete this procedure and improved access to IUD insertions under anaesthetic would better support HCPs in mitigating their patient’s pain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101153"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145260113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The experience of working alone as midwives in small-scale municipalities – a qualitative study with emphasis on professional loneliness","authors":"Kristine Bjelland,&nbsp;Vigdis Aasheim,&nbsp;Eline Skirnisdottir Vik,&nbsp;Elisabeth Hemnes Aanensen","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To examine how midwives in small-scale municipalities in Norway experience working alone, with emphasis on professional loneliness.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with twelve midwives. The data were analysed using Systematic Text Condensation as described by Malterud.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The experience of working alone was described in terms of managing municipality’s maternity service independently, having an extensive practice and responsibility, feeling a duty to maintain up-to-date knowledge, and recognising the critical value of professional networks, both locally and centrally.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Working alone had both positive and negative impacts, and this study gives a deeper insight into professional loneliness as a challenge. A broader approach is necessary to uncover the consequences of working alone for individual midwives and the overall quality of service.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101150"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal physical health and breastfeeding problems in Croatia: national online survey of new mothers","authors":"Lisa H Amir ,&nbsp;Daniela Drandić ,&nbsp;Anita Pavičić Bošnjak ,&nbsp;Ana Vidović Roguljić ,&nbsp;Gill Thomson ,&nbsp;Irena Zakarija-Grković","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To document maternal physical health and breastfeeding problems in the first six months after giving birth in Croatia during the pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire between February and April 2022 among resident Croatian women who had enrolled in the RODA (‘Parents in Action’) online antenatal course. Women aged 18 + years, who had given birth in a Croatian maternity facility between February 2020 and December 2021 were eligible. The questionnaire contained 75 items, covering sociodemographic characteristics, hospital practices, community support, maternal mental and physical health.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Postpartum health and breastfeeding items were completed by 1760 participants. Most women were primiparous (80 %, n = 1420) and 72 % birthed vaginally (n = 1274). Major physical health issues were fatigue (28 %; n = 487), back pain (14 %; n = 252), and haemorrhoids (10 %; n = 171). Urinary incontinence was a minor problem for 23 % (n = 397), somewhat of a problem for 8 % (n = 139) and a major problem for 4 % (n = 67).The most common breastfeeding problems were nipple pain/damage 50 % (n = 885), difficulty attaching 43 %, (n = 761), low milk supply 28 % (n = 490), mastitis 22 % (n = 391), engorgement 22 % (n = 393), breast refusal 22 % (n = 381), and too much milk 22 % (n = 380).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Consistent with reports of maternal postpartum health in other countries, women in Croatia experienced many physical health challenges in the six months after childbirth. Most women described problems with breastfeeding; the frequency of pain associated with breastfeeding is concerning. Healthcare systems need to provide effective assistance to enable new mothers to establish breastfeeding without nipple pain and damage even during times of emergency measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101149"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Work motivation among midwives in medium-sized labour wards in Denmark – An interview study","authors":"Aleksandra Storm ,&nbsp;Maiken Fabricius Damm ,&nbsp;Caroline Moos ,&nbsp;Christina Prinds","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Midwives are essential in securing high-quality maternity care. Despite several calls to action to curb the attrition rates of midwives, it is a continuing worldwide problem. Little is known about midwiveś work motivation, and understanding this can be key to improving well-being among midwives and thus lowering attrition rates. This study specifically explored midwiveś work-life from a salutogenic perspective focusing on aspects contributing to work motivation rather reasons behind resignation rates.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore midwives’ experiences and perceptions of work motivation from a salutogenic perspective.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative study was conducted with 15 female midwives working in two medium-sized labor wards (approximately 1600 childbirths annually). Participants were interviewed between December 2023 and April 2024. Data was synthesized using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analyses resulted in three themes: labor ward size, work-life balance and recognition. Participants elaborated on how workplace size, supportive relationships, self-awareness in work practice, and recognition from patients, peers, and management were key to work motivation. Notably, one of the labor wards had a significantly high proportion of midwives with over 15 years of experience.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>By exploring midwives’ experiences through a salutogenic lens, this study highlights key aspects that foster work motivation and professional well-being. Key motivators included manageable ward size, supportive relationships, work-life balance, and recognition from patients, colleagues, and leadership. Notably, a labor ward with a high proportion of experienced midwives exemplified how these factors can foster long-term engagement. Future research could implement different strategies to test how they improve midwives’ motivation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101151"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contraceptive-induced amenorrhea: An exploratory study of perceptions among a reproductive-age urban Southern California population","authors":"Irene Masini ,&nbsp;Emily Frisch ,&nbsp;Rana Andary ,&nbsp;Elisabeth McCallum ,&nbsp;Jonathan Steller ,&nbsp;Jasmine Patel","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate the preferences for and knowledge of contraceptive-induced amenorrhea among a reproductive age predominantly Hispanic community in Southern California.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study recruited English and Spanish speaking reproductively capable participants from three outpatient clinics associated with a large academic hospital. A validated survey assessed preferences and knowledge surrounding contraceptive-induced amenorrhea. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses using chi-squared tests, and multivariate regression were performed to evaluate the association between demographic variables and the desire for contraceptive-induced amenorrhea, as well as its perceived safety.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 209 respondents (response rate: 78.9 %), 66.5 <strong>%</strong> were Hispanic and 48.8 % identified as Christian. A majority of participants (56.5 %) would not consider a contraceptive method that would induce amenorrhea. Furthermore, a majority of participants (64.1 %) believed that contraceptive-induced amenorrhea is harmful. Belief of harm due to contraceptive-induced amenorrhea was associated with avoiding contraception that could induce amenorrhea (p &lt; 0.001). However, participants who were discontent with menstruation statistically preferred contraceptive-induced amenorrhea (p &lt; 0.01). No significant association was found between race and preference for contraceptive-induced amenorrhea (p = 0.89) or understanding of its safety (p = 0.34).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The majority of our sample would not prefer contraceptive-induced amenorrhea and feared that amenorrhea would be harmful. Given the perceived harm of contraceptive induced amenorrhea may limit the use of highly effective methods for all races, educational initiatives aimed at reviewing safety may allow for more informed patient decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging the Gap: Canadian Parents’ barriers and concerns in delivering sexuality education – A qualitative study","authors":"Neelam Punjani ,&nbsp;Shannon D Scott ,&nbsp;Amber Hussain ,&nbsp;Tammy Lu ,&nbsp;Farah Bandali ,&nbsp;Sheila McDonald ,&nbsp;Lisa Allen Scott","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Parents play a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to their children. While school-based programs have expanded in many settings, parents often face cultural, informational, and emotional barriers in engaging in open discussions about sexual health. These challenges are intensified in diverse societies such as Canada, where cultural values and personal beliefs vary widely. Despite the growing recognition of parental involvement in CSE, limited research has explored Canadian parents’ perspectives on sexuality education, particularly in multicultural contexts.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We employed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to examine the experiences, beliefs, and barriers Canadian parents face in providing sexuality education. Six virtual focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 30 parents of children aged 0–18 years. Participants were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling to ensure diverse representation. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to parents’ understanding, approaches, and needs regarding sexuality education.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three major themes emerged (1) The holistic nature of sexuality education, emphasizing the importance of emotional, psychological, and social aspects alongside biology; (2) Timing and approaches, revealing uncertainty around when and how to initiate these conversations and a preference for child-led, ongoing dialogue; and (3) Influences of society, media, and schools, highlighting external factors shaping children’s understanding and parents’ concerns over misinformation and inconsistent educational content. Parents also reported difficulties accessing age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and accessible educational resources.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Canadian parents face multifaceted challenges in navigating sexuality education, shaped by cultural taboos, lack of resources, and limited confidence in initiating these discussions. The findings underline the need for inclusive, parent-focused resources, training, and policies that support caregivers in delivering accurate and age-appropriate sexuality education. Strengthening partnerships between families, schools, and healthcare systems is essential to bridge knowledge gaps and promote healthy sexual development in youth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101146"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145121216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Digital midwifery care – Blurring boundaries and finding new paths for midwifery care during pregnancy and postpartum: A qualitative study on Swedish midwives’ experiences","authors":"Bäckström Caroline,&nbsp;Nilvér Helena,&nbsp;Lindgren Carina,&nbsp;Ludvigsson Elinor,&nbsp;Grönstervall Sabina,&nbsp;Moberg-Monsén Beatrice,&nbsp;Palmér Lina","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In recent years, digital health interventions have increased in society. Swedish midwifery care is no exception, as digital solutions are increasingly being used during pregnancy and postpartum care for expectant and new parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore midwives’ experiences of digital midwifery care and information during pregnancy and postpartum.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Focus groups and individual interviews were held with fourteen Swedish midwives working within antenatal care. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results are presented in one overall theme: <em>Digital Midwifery Care – Blurring boundaries and finding new paths for midwifery care,</em> and three themes: <em>Digital midwifery care is shaped by organizational prerequisites constraining and supporting; Digital midwifery care poses challenges establishing trustful relationships,</em> and <em>Digital midwifery care enhances accessibility, enabling participation.</em></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Digital midwifery care is experienced by midwives as blurring the boundaries and finding new paths for midwifery care. Midwives negotiate with themselves, not losing the caring relationship as a core dimension of midwifery. Digital transformation within midwifery care has altered midwives’ way of working, and thus probably also their approach to caring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternity care providers’ attitudes and beliefs toward weight and body size during pregnancy: A cross-sectional survey","authors":"Lauren Kearney ,&nbsp;Bec Jenkinson ,&nbsp;Anna Robins ,&nbsp;Leonie Callaway ,&nbsp;Jessica van den Heuvel ,&nbsp;Melanie Roussin ,&nbsp;Briony Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Weight stigma is pervasive in society and negatively affects the quality of maternity care for women with larger bodies. Healthcare providers’ attitudes and beliefs about weight and larger bodied people contribute to experiences of weight stigma, yet the extent of weight stigma attitudes and beliefs in Australian maternity care providers is not known.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to explore maternity care providers’ attitudes and beliefs regarding weight and body size during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey with Australian maternity care providers, using the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT), with an open-ended ‘any other comments’ text response, was undertaken. Quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative inductive content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Maternity care providers (n = 243) from across Australia responded to the survey. Responses indicated a strong emphasis on empathy towards larger bodied pregnant women, with providers acknowledging the socioeconomic and societal impact on the complexity of weight and body size. Responses also highlighted providers’ internalised weight stigma. Free-text responses reflected mixed views on the balance between addressing health risks and avoiding weight stigma, with a need for more resources and education on weight-inclusive care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Maternity care providers are aware of the complexities of caring for larger bodied women. Tailored interventions that promote empathy and reduce weight-based discrimination are recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101145"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145106124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proactive versus standard support of labor in the latent phase – A randomized, controlled clinical trial","authors":"Marit Larsen ,&nbsp;Maria Underdal ,&nbsp;Øyvind Salvesen ,&nbsp;Negin Sadati ,&nbsp;Ingebjørg Laache ,&nbsp;Møyfrid Brenne Fehn ,&nbsp;Raija Dahlø ,&nbsp;Stine Bernitz ,&nbsp;Eszter Vanky","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Long latent phase of labor with subsequent prolonged total labor duration increases the risk of obstetric interventions and complications. We explored whether Proactive Support of Labor (PSL) compared to Standard Support of Labor (SSL) in the latent phase, reduces the rate of complicated deliveries in nulliparous women.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Randomized, controlled trial (RCT).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A single-center RCT, at St. Olav’s University Hospital of Trondheim, Norway, including 356 nulliparous women in the latent phase of labor with a singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation and spontaneous term onset of labor.</div></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><div>The composite rate of complicated deliveries, defined as instrumental delivery, caesarean section (CS), estimated blood loss &gt;500  ml, intrapartum temperature &gt;38.0⁰ °C, shoulder dystocia, perineal laceration grade III or IV, or Apgar score &lt;7 at 5  min.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We found no difference in the composite rate of complicated deliveries, 40 % vs 34 % respectively, (OR = 1.3 (95 % CI = 0.8–2.0), p-value = 0.302), or the individual components of complicated deliveries, between PSL and SSL groups. In the PSL group, both the duration of labor and the individual maximum dosage of oxytocin were reduced. The number of vaginal examinations and transfer to neonatal intensive care unit in the PSL and SSL groups were similar. More women in the PSL group received epidural analgesia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Proactive support of labor in the latent phase did not reduce the rate of complicated deliveries, but shortened labor duration, with lower maximum oxytocin dosage. Proactive support of labor may be considered as an alternative option for some nulliparous women to prevent a long latent phase of labor, without compromising maternal or newborn safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101144"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“The Best of Both Worlds” a content analysis of midwives’ perspectives on using ultrasound for labour progress assessment","authors":"Elsa Ruth Gylfadóttir ,&nbsp;Hulda Hjartardóttir ,&nbsp;Valgerður Lísa Sigurðardóttir","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Midwives in labour wards at high-tech hospitals have witnessed significant technological advancements. Ultrasound devices for assessing labour progress may offer advantages over traditional vaginal examinations. However, it is important to examine the views of care providers before introducing this new technology.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim is to examine the views of midwives working in a hospital labour ward regarding the use of ultrasound devices in assessing the progress of labour and explore their views of implementing such a technology to improve care for women during labour.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A qualitative study was conducted, using three semi structured focus groups interviews with 16 midwives from the hospital labour ward. A purposive sample was used to capture diverse backgrounds and experiences. Content analysis was used to identify key categories and subcategories.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two main categories emerged: 1) “Art of midwifery and technology,” including a debate between clinical skills and technology, midwives’ openness to learning, and their desire to control implementation; 2) “Women and babies come first,” highlighting the importance of options, safety, and the connection with the woman.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Midwives support evidence-based technological advancements that benefit clients without increasing unnecessary interventions. They believe ultrasound complements traditional vaginal exams and is a valuable option for certain groups of women. Midwives need to be involved in the implementation of new methods to ensure client well-being. Further research is needed to evaluate the benefits of using ultrasound for labour progress assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145005318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}