Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Define the role and scope of practice of the midwife, with reference to current and possible future provision of midwifery services in an evolving maternity service.
Examine the role of the midwife in the provision of antenatal care.
Demonstrate an awareness of the individualised nature of midwifery practice.
Discuss the choices for maternity care currently available to women and their partners, in the Irish context.
Integrate knowledge of physiological changes in pregnancy and labour and the application of this knowledge to midwifery practice.
Critically assess the role of the midwife in the provision of safe, effective midwifery care to women and their partners during uncomplicated labour.
Evaluate how the midwife facilitates women’s informed choice in relation to analgesia, nutrition in labour, electronic fetal monitoring, positions for labour and delivery, and third stage management.
Critically examine evidence based guidelines for provision of antenatal and intrapartum care.
Indicative Module Content:
UNIT ONE: Antenatal Care
Introduction to the role of the midwife in antenatal care
Models of maternity care available in Ireland
Terms and abbreviations used in maternity
Pre-conceptual care and preparation for pregnancy
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
Diagnosis of pregnancy and calculating the EDD
Evidence-based guidelines for antenatal care
Aims of antenatal care
Antenatal care: the booking visit
Subsequent schedule of antenatal care
Assessment of maternal well-being in pregnancy
Vital signs in midwifery practice: IMEWS
Assessment of fetal well-being in the antenatal period
Abdominal palpation and auscultation
Introduction to ultrasound in pregnancy: Gestational age assessment, assessment of fetal well-being
Common disorders in pregnancy
Venepuncture
Infection prevention and control, HSEland Hand hygiene
Associated Clinical Skills:
Physical examination of the pregnant woman
Assessment of fetal well-being in pregnancy
Venepuncture
UNIT TWO: Intrapartum Care
Introduction to the role of the midwife in intrapartum care
Medication management: e-learning, patient safety, drug calculation, risk management
Evidence-based care and management in the first stage of labour
Assessment of maternal-well being in the first stage of labour
Assessment of fetal well-being in the first stage of labour
Support and comfort measures in labour
Non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods of pain relief in labour
Assessment of progress in the first stage of labour
Evidence-based care and management in the second stage of labour
Transition to the second stage of labour
Assessment of maternal well- being in the second stage of labour
Assessment of fetal well-being in the second stage of labour
Assessment of progress in the second stage of labour
Facilitating birth, including perineal protection strategies
Reception and immediate care for the baby at birth
Evidence-based care and management in the third stage of labour
Physiological third stage and active management of the third stage of labour
Examination of the placenta and membranes
Assessment of the genital tract after birth
Hour of vigilance after birth
Assessment and care of the newborn immediately after birth
Associated Clinical Skills:
Assessment of the pregnant woman in labour including vaginal examination
Asepsis and infection control practices in labour
Support and comfort measures in labour
Preparation and skills for birth of the baby
CTG interpretation workshop: Identifying the normal CTG
Third stage of labour clinical skills including reservation of cord blood