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International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research

ISSN: 2456-0421
www.newresearchjournal.com/scientific
Volume 1; Issue 1; April 2016; Page No. 37-38
Current trends of obstetrical nursing

K Radhika
Vice Principal, Columbia College of Nursing, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Abstract
In the changing scenario of health care system of today’s world, the trends in midwifery and obstetrical nursing are also changing.
There are new advancements in care being provided, parenthood planning, national maternal health policies. Midwifery is as old
as the history of human species. Archaeological evidence of a woman squatting in childbirth supported by another woman from
behind demonstrates the existence of midwifery in 500BC. There is much advancement in obstetrical nursing. Currents trends in
obstetrical nursing are follows as technological advances increased cost of high- tech care, changing patterns of child birth,
prenatal risk factors, and family centered care, rising caesarean birth rates early discharge and role of fathers in child birth
Keywords: obstetrical nursing, parenthood planning, Midwifery
Introduction confidence and independence for the mother and greater

In the changing scenario of health care system of today’s breast-feeding success.
world, the trends in midwifery and obstetrical nursing are also  In 1960s, the focus changed from the person giving care to
changing. There are new advancements in care being provided, the recipient. With that change, came a change in
parenthood planning, national maternal health policies etc. terminology and obstetrical care became Maternity care.
 WHO offers definition of maternity care-‘the object of
History maternity care is to ensure that every expectant and
Midwifery is as old as the history of human species. nursing mother maintains good health, learns the art of
Archaeological evidence of a woman squatting in childbirth child care, has a normal delivery and bears healthy
supported by another woman from behind demonstrates the children.
existence of midwifery in 500BC.
Hippocrates (460BC) the father of scientific medicine, Technological Advances
organized trained and supervised midwives. Hippo-crates As the technology has revolutionized and increasingly
believed that the foetus has to fight its way out of the womb sophisticated computers in today’s world, it has become
and the membranes. The midwives did not appreciate the necessary for the nursing personnel to have thorough
efforts of Hippocrates. Aristotle, the father of embryology, knowledge of the new technology being used.
described the uterus and the female pelvic organs. He also  Due to this advancement, ‘the hands on care’ of the client
discussed the essential qualities of the midwife. is reduced, so also is the, quality nursing care.
Leonardo da vinci made anatomical drawings of pregnant  Today foetal monitoring has progressed from the use of
uterus. Ambroise Pare laid the foundation of modern obstetrics fetoscope to electronic foetal monitors. It can be used both,
He performed internal podalic version and skilfully delivered directly and indirectly.
women. Louise Pasteur in 1879 wrote a thesis on puerperal  Experts believe that in coming years, births are going to be
sepsis demonstrating the presence of streptococci in the by high-tech innovations, resulting in low prenatal
Lochia, blood. There is much advancement in obstetrical mortality and morbidity.
nursing.  In future, there are challenges for nurses, as they will
provide care in the world of high technology.
Current Trends
In our mothers and grandmothers days, an untrained woman, Increased Cost of High- Tech Care
neighbours, relative or friend delivered most babies at home. As the high and sophisticated technology is being introduced
All the changes started in 29th century, when parturition moved into today’s world, the costs are also increasing. For the
into the hospital setting. At that point, child bearing became far procedures such as ultrasound, foetal monitoring etc, the
from a family affair. couple has to pay good amount of money. Gradually, obstetric
The mother and newborn remained isolated from the family for care is becoming a business for the care providers.
a week to ten days, when family had only visiting privileges.
 Nursing was separated into three specialities, with one Changing Patterns of Child Birth
nurse caring for the mother during labour, and delivery,  There are increasing numbers of working women, until
another handling postpartum mothers and third caring for they are in there thirties.
the baby.
 As early marriage practices still continue, both ends, the
 In the year 1940s, ‘rooming in’ concept was devised. older and younger mothers face increased risks of
 The advantages of the system included a reduction in complications during pregnancy, such as preterm delivery,
neonatal infection from cross-contamination, increased LBW etc.
37

Perinatal Risk Factors

The problems of society are reflected in risks: among them are
AIDS in mothers and newborns.
 LBW account for about 30-40% of live births in
developing countries.
 In addition to maternal age, risk factors of LBW include
mother’s medical history, past pregnancy, socioeconomic
status and prenatal care.
Family Centered Care

Maternity care today has enhanced to family centered care.
Definition of health include physical, social, psychological and
economic dimension. Family centered approach is basic unit of
society. Thus emphasis on his aspect is must that fosters family
unity. Integration and bonding takes high priority and much
anticipatory counselling is offered.
Rising Caesarean Birth Rates

With the use of foetal monitoring and ultrasound for prenatal
monitoring and ultrasound for prenatal evaluation of foetal
condition, has come and increased rate of caesarean birth rates.
Early Discharge
In earlier days, women were hospitalized for longer duration
and physical activity was increased very gradually. Over the
years now, however, health care personnel have realized that
early return to normal activities is the best course for
uncomplicated births.
Role of Fathers
With increased societal emphasis on shared parenting and the
recognition of parental bonding, many fathers are active in care
giving and enjoy the closeness it brings.
References
1. Anamma Jacob. A Comprehensive Text book of
Midwifery 2009, 08-12.
2. DC Dutta’s Text Book of Obstetrics, 2010.
3. Neelam Kumari, Shivani Sharma, Dr. Preethi Gupta. A
Text Book of Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing.
2010, 04-08.
4. Parulekar V Shashank. Textbook for Midwives. (2nd Edn),
Vora Medical Publications, Mumbai, 1995.
5. http://www.med.pub. net.com
38

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International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research

Current trends of obstetrical nursing

Keywords: obstetrical nursing, parenthood planning, Midwifery

Introduction confidence and independence for the mother and greater

Perinatal Risk Factors

Family Centered Care

Rising Caesarean Birth Rates

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