Pub Date : 2025-08-16DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101138
L. Brigante , D. Drandic , R.D. Maimburg
The ongoing revision of the European Directive on Professional Qualifications for midwives presents a once in a generational opportunity to bring its outdated standards into alignment with contemporary evidence and international frameworks.
This short communication outlines key limitations in the current directive and its revision process, and proposes pragmatic, forward-looking updates informed by existing consensus and aligned with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice. The revision holds the potential to strengthen professional mobility, support high-quality care across European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as globally. Moreover, to ensure that midwifery education continues to meet the sexual and reproductive health care needs of women and their families in the future.
{"title":"Updating the European Union’s Midwifery Directive advance women’s sexual and reproductive health in the future and reinforce professional standard within the midwifery profession","authors":"L. Brigante , D. Drandic , R.D. Maimburg","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ongoing revision of the European Directive on Professional Qualifications for midwives presents a once in a generational opportunity to bring its outdated standards into alignment with contemporary evidence and international frameworks.</div><div>This short communication outlines key limitations in the current directive and its revision process, and proposes pragmatic, forward-looking updates informed by existing consensus and aligned with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice. The revision holds the potential to strengthen professional mobility, support high-quality care across European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as globally. Moreover, to ensure that midwifery education continues to meet the sexual and reproductive health care needs of women and their families in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101138"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144867209","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-16DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101140
Valgerður Lísa Sigurðardóttir , Guðrún Anna Hákonardóttir , Stefanía Birna Arnardóttir , Linda Bára Lýðsdóttir , Emma Marie Swift
Objective
Postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms are associated with negative outcomes for women’s mental health and may disrupt the development of the mother–infant bond. However, previous research has reported inconsistent findings. The aim was to examine the predictive role of postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms on mother–infant bonding 6 to 12 weeks after birth in a population-based sample.
Method
This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 and included 598 women 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms were measured using the City Birth Trauma Scale, and mother–infant bonding was assessed with the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and mother–infant bonding, adjusting for maternal age, parity, mode of birth, educational level, and depressive symptoms.
Results
The mean score on the City Birth Trauma Scale was 8.4, and 5.5 on the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. A total of 1.5 % of participants scored above the cut-off for significant bonding difficulties. Higher levels of postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms were significantly associated with greater bonding difficulties (B = 0.380, p < 0.005). This association remained significant after adjustment for background variables and depressive symptoms (B = 0.113, p = 0.007). Primiparity, higher educational attainment, and depressive symptoms were also significantly associated with bonding difficulties (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms negatively affect the development of the mother–infant bond. A targeted screening of post-traumatic stress symptoms and bonding difficulties is recommended, followed by appropriate support in postpartum care.
目的：产后创伤后应激症状与女性心理健康的负面结果相关，并可能破坏母婴关系的发展。然而，之前的研究报告的结果并不一致。目的是在以人群为基础的样本中，研究产后创伤后应激症状对出生后6至12周母婴关系的预测作用。方法这项基于人群的横断面研究于2022年进行，包括598名产后6至12周的妇女。采用城市分娩创伤量表测量产后创伤后应激症状，采用产后依恋问卷评估母婴依恋。在调整了母亲年龄、胎次、出生方式、教育程度和抑郁症状等因素后，采用线性回归分析检验创伤后应激症状与母婴关系之间的关系。结果城市分娩创伤量表的平均得分为8.4分，产后依恋问卷的平均得分为5.5分。总共有1.5%的参与者在明显的联系困难上得分高于临界值。较高水平的产后创伤后应激症状与更大的结合困难显著相关（B = 0.380, p < 0.005）。在调整背景变量和抑郁症状后，这种关联仍然显著（B = 0.113, p = 0.007）。初产、高等教育程度和抑郁症状也与结合困难显著相关（p < 0.05）。结论产后创伤后应激症状对母婴关系的发展有负向影响。建议有针对性地筛查创伤后应激症状和结合困难，然后在产后护理中提供适当的支持。
{"title":"Postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms and mother-infant bonding: A population-based cross-sectional study","authors":"Valgerður Lísa Sigurðardóttir , Guðrún Anna Hákonardóttir , Stefanía Birna Arnardóttir , Linda Bára Lýðsdóttir , Emma Marie Swift","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms are associated with negative outcomes for women’s mental health and may disrupt the development of the mother–infant bond. However, previous research has reported inconsistent findings. The aim was to examine the predictive role of postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms on mother–infant bonding 6 to 12 weeks after birth in a population-based sample.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 and included 598 women 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms were measured using the City Birth Trauma Scale, and mother–infant bonding was assessed with the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and mother–infant bonding, adjusting for maternal age, parity, mode of birth, educational level, and depressive symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean score on the City Birth Trauma Scale was 8.4, and 5.5 on the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. A total of 1.5 % of participants scored above the cut-off for significant bonding difficulties. Higher levels of postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms were significantly associated with greater bonding difficulties (B = 0.380, p < 0.005). This association remained significant after adjustment for background variables and depressive symptoms (B = 0.113, p = 0.007). Primiparity, higher educational attainment, and depressive symptoms were also significantly associated with bonding difficulties (p < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings suggest that postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms negatively affect the development of the mother–infant bond. A targeted screening of post-traumatic stress symptoms and bonding difficulties is recommended, followed by appropriate support in postpartum care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101140"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144886014","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101137
Atika Khalaf , Rebecca Mathew , Shalini G Nayak
This study aimed to identify and compare symptom clusters and their severity among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women using a systematic literature review on publications from 1996 to 2023 across PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO. The meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guideline, initially screening 425 articles, with 14 articles meeting the criteria of relevance, scientific rigor, and a focus on symptom clustering in climacteric women. Data from the 14 selected studies (n = 14,760) were extracted, including study characteristics, participant demographics, methods for identifying symptom clusters, specific symptoms within each cluster, and associations with lifestyle factors, genetics, or psychosocial elements. The findings were synthesized to quantify relationships between different symptom clusters, identifying four distinct groups: somatic, vasomotor, psychological, and sexual symptoms. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.89 [95 % CI = −1.70, −0.07] was found for somatic symptom clusters, indicating significant differences. However, no conclusive distinctions were observed in vasomotor, sexual, and psychological symptoms, highlighting variability in symptom presentation. Despite this heterogeneity, the overall effect for somatic symptoms remained statistically significant (Z = 2.14, P = 0.03). The findings emphasize the complexity of symptomatology in climacteric women and underscore the need for tailored person-centered interventions and longitudinal studies.
本研究旨在通过对PubMed、Medline、Cochrane图书馆和APA PsycINFO从1996年到2023年的出版物进行系统文献综述，确定并比较围绝经期和绝经后妇女的症状群及其严重程度。meta分析遵循PRISMA指南，最初筛选425篇文章，其中14篇文章符合相关性、科学严谨性标准，并关注更年期妇女的症状聚类。从14项选定的研究（n = 14,760）中提取数据，包括研究特征、参与者人口统计、识别症状群的方法、每个群中的特定症状，以及与生活方式因素、遗传或社会心理因素的关联。综合研究结果，量化不同症状群之间的关系，确定四种不同的症状群：躯体症状、血管舒缩症状、心理症状和性症状。躯体症状群的总标准化平均差（SMD）为- 0.89 [95% CI = - 1.70, - 0.07]，表明差异具有统计学意义。然而，在血管舒缩、性和心理症状中没有观察到结论性的区别，这突出了症状表现的可变性。尽管存在异质性，但对躯体症状的总体影响仍具有统计学意义（Z = 2.14, P = 0.03）。研究结果强调了更年期妇女症状的复杂性，强调了量身定制的以人为中心的干预和纵向研究的必要性。
{"title":"Exploring symptom clusters across the menopausal stages – systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Atika Khalaf , Rebecca Mathew , Shalini G Nayak","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101137","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to identify and compare symptom clusters and their severity among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women using a systematic literature review on publications from 1996 to 2023 across PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO. The <em>meta</em>-analysis followed the PRISMA guideline, initially screening 425 articles, with 14 articles meeting the criteria of relevance, scientific rigor, and a focus on symptom clustering in climacteric women. Data from the 14 selected studies (n = 14,760) were extracted, including study characteristics, participant demographics, methods for identifying symptom clusters, specific symptoms within each cluster, and associations with lifestyle factors, genetics, or psychosocial elements. The findings were synthesized to quantify relationships between different symptom clusters, identifying four distinct groups: somatic, vasomotor, psychological, and sexual symptoms. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.89 [95 % CI = −1.70, −0.07] was found for somatic symptom clusters, indicating significant differences. However, no conclusive distinctions were observed in vasomotor, sexual, and psychological symptoms, highlighting variability in symptom presentation. Despite this heterogeneity, the overall effect for somatic symptoms remained statistically significant (Z = 2.14, P = 0.03). The findings emphasize the complexity of symptomatology in climacteric women and underscore the need for tailored person-centered interventions and longitudinal studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101137"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144841155","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-09DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101136
Umulkhayr Mohamed Ismail , Fatumo Osman , Marie Klingberg-Allvin , Jama Ali Egal
Objective
Somaliland faces one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates globally. Access to high-quality post-abortion care is essential for managing complications arising from incomplete abortions, including those following miscarriages. This study aimed to explore women’s experiences of incomplete abortion and their encounters with Post abortion care (PAC) services in public healthcare facilities.
Methodology
An inductive qualitative design was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with women who had experienced incomplete abortions and received PAC. Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by an inductive approach.
Results
Two key themes emerged from the analysis:(i) Women’s understanding of incomplete abortion and barriers to accessing PAC – This theme explores women’s care seeking and perceptions of causes of miscarriage, the challenges faced in accessing PAC, and the enabling factors that supported their care-seeking behaviour. (ii) Perceptions of care quality and suggestions for improvement – This theme captures women’s experiences with the quality and accessibility of PAC services and their recommendations for improving service delivery.
Conclusions
The study highlights the vital role of family and friend in encouraging women to seek care. However, it reveals significant gaps, particularly in counselling, community awareness, and emergency care. Many women reported continued pain and bleeding after discharge, indicating the need for service improvement. Further quantitative research is needed to assess the capacity of health facilities to deliver comprehensive PAC. The Health authority and policy maker should support further research and increase investment in midwifery training and continuous professional development to improve access to and quality of PAC.
{"title":"Women’s experiences of post-abortion care services at health facilities in Somaliland – A qualitative study among women with incomplete abortion","authors":"Umulkhayr Mohamed Ismail , Fatumo Osman , Marie Klingberg-Allvin , Jama Ali Egal","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101136","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Somaliland faces one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates globally. Access to high-quality post-abortion care is essential for managing complications arising from incomplete abortions, including those following miscarriages. This study aimed to explore women’s experiences of incomplete abortion and their encounters with Post abortion care (PAC) services in public healthcare facilities.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>An inductive qualitative design was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with women who had experienced incomplete abortions and received PAC. Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by an inductive approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two key themes emerged from the analysis:(i) Women’s understanding of incomplete abortion and barriers to accessing PAC – This theme explores women’s care seeking and perceptions of causes of miscarriage, the challenges faced in accessing PAC, and the enabling factors that supported their care-seeking behaviour. (ii) Perceptions of care quality and suggestions for improvement – This theme captures women’s experiences with the quality and accessibility of PAC services and their recommendations for improving service delivery.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study highlights the vital role of family and friend in encouraging women to seek care. However, it reveals significant gaps, particularly in counselling, community awareness, and emergency care. Many women reported continued pain and bleeding after discharge, indicating the need for service improvement. Further quantitative research is needed to assess the capacity of health facilities to deliver comprehensive PAC. The Health authority and policy maker should support further research and increase investment in midwifery training and continuous professional development to improve access to and quality of PAC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144886015","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-06DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101135
Stephanie Herold , Piper Narendorf , Beth Hoffman
Objective
Previous research has found that exposure to abortion plotlines on fictional television programs may influence viewers’ knowledge about abortion, and that examining comments under health-related YouTube videos provides insight into discourse around the health topics. We conducted an exploratory quantitative content analysis of YouTube video clips from television abortion plotlines and comments.
Study Design
We identified YouTube clips posted in a five-year period (2018–2023) on official network accounts that depicted abortion plotlines. Two research assistants independently coded the top 20 comments and associated replies for each video using a systematically developed codebook. We calculated descriptive statistics and used chi-square tests to assess for differences in the distribution of content code by sentiment.
Results
Of the 275 abortion plotlines in our sample period, we identified 25 YouTube videos that met our inclusion criteria. Fifteen of these clips had more than 10 relevant comments, for a total of 619 relevant comments. Slightly less than half (43.8 %) expressed abortion positive sentiment, 22.0 % expressed abortion restrictive sentiment, and 19 % expressed complex sentiment. The most frequent content category was arguing with another poster (41.2 %,) followed by hostility toward another poster (16.2 %). Potential misinformation was present in 10.4 % of comments; these were significantly more likely to express abortion restrictive sentiment compared to abortion positive or complex sentiment (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Results of this exploratory study suggest that YouTube comments posted under abortion plotline videos express a mix of sentiment, and social media data may offer a unique opportunity for researchers to investigate viewers’ reactions to these plotlines.
{"title":"Reading the comments: An exploratory quantitative analysis of YouTube comments in response to abortion plotlines on fictional television programs","authors":"Stephanie Herold , Piper Narendorf , Beth Hoffman","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Previous research has found that exposure to abortion plotlines on fictional television programs may influence viewers’ knowledge about abortion, and that examining comments under health-related YouTube videos provides insight into discourse around the health topics. We conducted an exploratory quantitative content analysis of YouTube video clips from television abortion plotlines and comments.</div></div><div><h3>Study Design</h3><div>We identified YouTube clips posted in a five-year period (2018–2023) on official network accounts that depicted abortion plotlines. Two research assistants independently coded the top 20 comments and associated replies for each video using a systematically developed codebook. We calculated descriptive statistics and used chi-square tests to assess for differences in the distribution of content code by sentiment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 275 abortion plotlines in our sample period, we identified 25 YouTube videos that met our inclusion criteria. Fifteen of these clips had more than 10 relevant comments, for a total of 619 relevant comments. Slightly less than half (43.8 %) expressed abortion positive sentiment, 22.0 % expressed abortion restrictive sentiment, and 19 % expressed complex sentiment. The most frequent content category was <em>arguing with another poster</em> (41.2 %,) followed by <em>hostility toward another poster</em> (16.2 %). <em>Potential misinformation</em> was present in 10.4 % of comments; these were significantly more likely to express abortion restrictive sentiment compared to abortion positive or complex sentiment (p < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Results of this exploratory study suggest that YouTube comments posted under abortion plotline videos express a mix of sentiment, and social media data may offer a unique opportunity for researchers to investigate viewers’ reactions to these plotlines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827596","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101132
Johanna Sandén , Maria Lindqvist , Ingegerd Hildingsson , Margareta Johansson , Sophia Holmlund
Objective
Despite strong evidence of the benefits, Sweden has limited access to midwifery continuity of care (MCoC), particularly in rural areas. There is a knowledge gap regarding how MCoC would function in a rural Swedish context. Therefore, this study aimed to explore midwives’ personal and professional views on a MCoC model and its implementation within a rural context in northern Sweden.
Methods
A qualitative interview study using reflexive thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen midwives working in maternity care.
Results
The findings revealed a notable duality to MCoC, consisting of two major themes. In the first theme, ‘Internal conditions of midwifery’, midwives reported that working in a MCoC model would offer fulfillment but also present significant challenges, which they did not feel prepared to meet. Establishing a relationship of mutual trust with pregnant women emerged as a major positive aspect. The second theme, ‘The impact of external forces’, highlighted significant challenges, including organisational issues, staffing shortages, and concerns regarding work-life balance. Interprofessional collaboration and rural adaptation were considered key if the implementation of the model is to go ahead.
Conclusions
For MCoC to succeed in rural Sweden, it is essential to have a supportive organisation that recognises the benefits of the model, and provides midwives with working conditions that meet their professional and personal needs. Involving midwives in the model’s design, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and tailoring the model to rural settings are equally important. Addressing organisational challenges is crucial for establishing a functional and sustainable model.
{"title":"Balancing midwifery values with rural reality: Swedish midwives’ views of midwifery continuity of care – A qualitative study","authors":"Johanna Sandén , Maria Lindqvist , Ingegerd Hildingsson , Margareta Johansson , Sophia Holmlund","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101132","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101132","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Despite strong evidence of the benefits, Sweden has limited access to midwifery continuity of care (MCoC), particularly in rural areas. There is a knowledge gap regarding how MCoC would function in a rural Swedish context. Therefore, this study aimed to explore midwives’ personal and professional views on a MCoC model and its implementation within a rural context in northern Sweden.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative interview study using reflexive thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen midwives working in maternity care.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed a notable duality to MCoC, consisting of two major themes. In the first theme, ‘Internal conditions of midwifery’, midwives reported that working in a MCoC model would offer fulfillment but also present significant challenges, which they did not feel prepared to meet. Establishing a relationship of mutual trust with pregnant women emerged as a major positive aspect. The second theme, ‘The impact of external forces’, highlighted significant challenges, including organisational issues, staffing shortages, and concerns regarding work-life balance. Interprofessional collaboration and rural adaptation were considered key if the implementation of the model is to go ahead.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>For MCoC to succeed in rural Sweden, it is essential to have a supportive organisation that recognises the benefits of the model, and provides midwives with working conditions that meet their professional and personal needs. Involving midwives in the model’s design, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and tailoring the model to rural settings are equally important. Addressing organisational challenges is crucial for establishing a functional and sustainable model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101132"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781527","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101131
Anna Voll , Ingvild Celine Tveiten Baretto , Bente Dahl
Objective
To explore how pregnant women living 90 min or more from the nearest birthing facility experience the journey and accompaniment by a midwife to the facility.
Methods
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with nine first-time mothers living in various regions of Norway, conducted in November 2023. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data.
Results
The main findings indicated that having local midwifery expertise was a crucial factor for the women’s sense of security. They received care from a midwife from the first signs of the onset of labour at home until they arrived at the hospital. This was important to them as they expressed concerns about unforeseen situations and uncertainty about when to call an ambulance. The midwife’s birthing expertise and presence in the ambulance were described as vital and reassuring by the women. Although the ambulance journey was intense and uncomfortable, the women felt fortunate and satisfied to have access to it. The midwife accompaniment service was considered valuable but unreliable, as there was no guarantee that the midwife would be available, and the ambulance journey might therefore be unaccompanied.
Conclusion
The availability, presence and expertise of midwives were vital factors for these women. Nevertheless, the uncertain nature of the midwife accompaniment service indicates a need for improvement and further research to enhance the reliability and accessibility of midwife accompaniment to a birthing facility in remote areas.
{"title":"Women’s experiences with long journeys to the nearest birthing facility and midwife accompaniment service: A qualitative study","authors":"Anna Voll , Ingvild Celine Tveiten Baretto , Bente Dahl","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore how pregnant women living 90 min or more from the nearest birthing facility experience the journey and accompaniment by a midwife to the facility.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with nine first-time mothers living in various regions of Norway, conducted in November 2023. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The main findings indicated that having local midwifery expertise was a crucial factor for the women’s sense of security. They received care from a midwife from the first signs of the onset of labour at home until they arrived at the hospital. This was important to them as they expressed concerns about unforeseen situations and uncertainty about when to call an ambulance. The midwife’s birthing expertise and presence in the ambulance were described as vital and reassuring by the women. Although the ambulance journey was intense and uncomfortable, the women felt fortunate and satisfied to have access to it. The midwife accompaniment service was considered valuable but unreliable, as there was no guarantee that the midwife would be available, and the ambulance journey might therefore be unaccompanied.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The availability, presence and expertise of midwives were vital factors for these women. Nevertheless, the uncertain nature of the midwife accompaniment service indicates a need for improvement and further research to enhance the reliability and accessibility of midwife accompaniment to a birthing facility in remote areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781528","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101133
Ingegerd Hildingsson , Klockar Linda Nääs , Ingela Wiklund , Margareta Johansson
Objectives
Perinatal depressive symptoms affect both maternal and infant well-being and are associated with fear of giving birth. Midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) has shown potential in reducing anxiety and depression, particularly among vulnerable women. The aim of this study was to explore the trajectories of fear of birth and depressive symptoms, in relation to background, attitudes and birth-related data.
Methods
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among women with fear of birth or depressive symptoms who, after a screening procedure were offered care in a MCoC model. Fear of birth and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and measured at screening, in mid pregnancy and twice after birth. Chi-square tests and analysis of variance were used for comparing groups.
Results
The questionnaires were completed by 175 women during pregnancy and by 140 postpartum. During screening 84% presented with fear of birth and 24% with depressive symptoms. The degree of fear of birth and the depressive symptoms changed over time with the highest prevalence during pregnancy and a decline after birth. The trajectory of depressive symptoms was mainly related to women’s attitudes, while birth-related variables concerned fear of birth.
Conclusion
This study showed that fear of birth as well as depressive symptoms changed over time. These changes may represent natural progression but might be associated with the intervention. Working with women’s attitudes might change the trajectories, especially in women with both fear of birth and depressive symptoms.
{"title":"Emotional health across the perinatal period: Longitudinal patterns of fear of birth and depressive symptoms in a midwifery continuity of care context","authors":"Ingegerd Hildingsson , Klockar Linda Nääs , Ingela Wiklund , Margareta Johansson","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Perinatal depressive symptoms affect both maternal and infant well-being and are associated with fear of giving birth. Midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) has shown potential in reducing anxiety and depression, particularly among vulnerable women. The aim of this study was to explore the trajectories of fear of birth and depressive symptoms, in relation to background, attitudes and birth-related data.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among women with fear of birth or depressive symptoms who, after a screening procedure were offered care in a MCoC model. Fear of birth and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and measured at screening, in mid pregnancy and twice after birth. Chi-square tests and analysis of variance were used for comparing groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The questionnaires were completed by 175 women during pregnancy and by 140 postpartum. During screening 84% presented with fear of birth and 24% with depressive symptoms. The degree of fear of birth and the depressive symptoms changed over time with the highest prevalence during pregnancy and a decline after birth. The trajectory of depressive symptoms was mainly related to women’s attitudes, while birth-related variables concerned fear of birth.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study showed that fear of birth as well as depressive symptoms changed over time. These changes may represent natural progression but might be associated with the intervention. Working with women’s attitudes might change the trajectories, especially in women with both fear of birth and depressive symptoms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781485","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-30DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101130
Lilian L Peters , Simone M Ormsby , Angela Makris , Virginia Schmied , Hannah G Dahlen
Objective
The aim of this study was to explore obstetric outcomes and postpartum readmissions of women and infants in an area in NSW, serving women who are from lower socio-economic and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Methods
A linked data population-based study was conducted of women living in South-West Sydney Local Health District. Registry data on women giving birth to singleton infants between 37 + 0–41 + 6 weeks gestation, between January 1st 2001-December 31st 2016, was utilised and analysed.
Results
In total data of 130 533 singleton term pregnancies were analysed with rates differing by health status as follows: healthy (11.6%), maternal diabetes (8.3%), hypertensive disease (10.1%), maternal diabetes and hypertensive disease (8.2%), psychological disorders/diseases (40.5%), or psychological diseases with either diabetes or hypertension (28.1%). When compared to women with healthy pregnancies, women with complex pregnancies were more likely to have an induction of labour, epidural anaesthesia, caesarean section, early term births and poor foetal growth, and infants had higher rates of asphyxiation and need for major resuscitation. Postnatally, women with complex pregnancies and their infants were more frequently readmitted to the hospital in the year following birth, both in the short- and longer-term. Additionally, the change in glucose cut-offs in 2014 led to a significant increase in gestational diabetes diagnosis.
Conclusion
Overall, women with complicated pregnancies in the South-West Sydney Local Health District faced significantly more adverse obstetric and child outcomes, with increased hospital readmissions within the first year postpartum.
{"title":"Obstetric, child health outcomes, trends and readmissions for term women birthing in South-West Sydney (2001–2016): A linked data population-based study","authors":"Lilian L Peters , Simone M Ormsby , Angela Makris , Virginia Schmied , Hannah G Dahlen","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study was to explore obstetric outcomes and postpartum readmissions of women and infants in an area in NSW, serving women who are from lower socio-economic and culturally diverse backgrounds.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A linked data population-based study was conducted of women living in South-West Sydney Local Health District<strong>.</strong> Registry data on women giving birth to singleton infants between 37 + 0–41 + 6 weeks gestation, between January 1st 2001-December 31st 2016, was utilised and analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total data of 130 533 singleton term pregnancies were analysed with rates differing by health status as follows: healthy (11.6%), maternal diabetes (8.3%), hypertensive disease (10.1%), maternal diabetes and hypertensive disease (8.2%), psychological disorders/diseases (40.5%), or psychological diseases with either diabetes or hypertension (28.1%). When compared to women with healthy pregnancies, women with complex pregnancies were more likely to have an induction of labour, epidural anaesthesia, caesarean section, early term births and poor foetal growth, and infants had higher rates of asphyxiation and need for major resuscitation. Postnatally, women with complex pregnancies and their infants were more frequently readmitted to the hospital in the year following birth, both in the short- and longer-term. Additionally, the change in glucose cut-offs in 2014 led to a significant increase in gestational diabetes diagnosis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, women with complicated pregnancies in the South-West Sydney Local Health District faced significantly more adverse obstetric and child outcomes, with increased hospital readmissions within the first year postpartum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144771568","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-20DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101129
Kristelle Alunni-Menichini , Rose Chabot , Genève Guilbert-Gauthier , Karen A. Dominguez-Cancino , Lysiane Robidoux , Nadia L’Espérance , Christophe Huynh , Karine Bertrand , Helen-Maria Vasilidis , Julie Loslier , Yolaine Frossard de Saugy , Pablo Martínez , Victoria Massamba , José Ignacio Nazif-Munoz
Background
In Canada, between 3 and 7 % of women have reported using cannabis during pregnancy despite public health recommendations. While fetal risks are well researched, the socio-economic, psychological, and environmental factors shaping cannabis use before and during pregnancy remain underexplored.
Method
Drawing on semi-structured interviews with eighteen women who consumed cannabis while being pregnant in Québec (Canada), this interpretive study explores the meanings pregnant women attach to cannabis consumption throughout their lives and pregnancy, the factors conditioning their decisions, and the impact of their choices on their wellbeing.
Results
Women’s decisions to reduce, cease, or continue cannabis use during pregnancy are shaped by their life trajectories, gendered experiences, and broader socio-environmental influences. Pregnancy can serve as a motivation to stop or reduce consumption, but for some, especially those with a deep connection to cannabis, pressure for abstinence can generate stress and anxiety. Moreover, decision-making regarding cannabis use is tied to gender norms and inequalities that shape the meanings pregnant persons attribute to their own use during pregnancy.
Conclusion
This research highlights how the interplay of long-term social, relational, and environmental factors shapes cannabis use during pregnancy. It underscores the need for tailored, non-stigmatizing public health interventions that acknowledges this complexity, while also addressing stress, anxiety, and informational gaps. Providing harm reduction strategies and context-sensitive support systems can help ensuring that pregnant women receive compassionate, evidence-based care to navigate cannabis use during pregnancy.
{"title":"Navigating cannabis use during pregnancy: life trajectories, relationships, and contextual influences","authors":"Kristelle Alunni-Menichini , Rose Chabot , Genève Guilbert-Gauthier , Karen A. Dominguez-Cancino , Lysiane Robidoux , Nadia L’Espérance , Christophe Huynh , Karine Bertrand , Helen-Maria Vasilidis , Julie Loslier , Yolaine Frossard de Saugy , Pablo Martínez , Victoria Massamba , José Ignacio Nazif-Munoz","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In Canada, between 3 and 7 % of women have reported using cannabis during pregnancy despite public health recommendations. While fetal risks are well researched, the socio-economic, psychological, and environmental factors shaping cannabis use before and during pregnancy remain underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Drawing on semi-structured interviews with eighteen women who consumed cannabis while being pregnant in Québec (Canada), this interpretive study explores the meanings pregnant women attach to cannabis consumption throughout their lives and pregnancy, the factors conditioning their decisions, and the impact of their choices on their wellbeing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Women’s decisions to reduce, cease, or continue cannabis use during pregnancy are shaped by their life trajectories, gendered experiences, and broader socio-environmental influences. Pregnancy can serve as a motivation to stop or reduce consumption, but for some, especially those with a deep connection to cannabis, pressure for abstinence can generate stress and anxiety. Moreover, decision-making regarding cannabis use is tied to gender norms and inequalities that shape the meanings pregnant persons attribute to their own use during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This research highlights how the interplay of long-term social, relational, and environmental factors shapes cannabis use during pregnancy. It underscores the need for tailored, non-stigmatizing public health interventions that acknowledges this complexity, while also addressing stress, anxiety, and informational gaps. Providing harm reduction strategies and context-sensitive support systems can help ensuring that pregnant women receive compassionate, evidence-based care to navigate cannabis use during pregnancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 101129"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685833","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}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号