Pregnancy Journey Research Articles

Insights and perceptions: Investigating pregnant women's attitudes, understanding, and factors influencing knowledge regarding medication usage during pregnancy-A cross-sectional study.

Medication use during pregnancy is a critical concern due to potential risks to both the mother and fetus. To the extent of our knowledge, there has been no prior research to assess medication use and identify the specific factors of pregnant women within the Yemeni community. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of Yemeni pregnant women regarding medication use and assess the factors associated with the knowledge during pregnancy. A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a validated structured questionnaire. The study was conducted on pregnant women receiving antenatal care at tertiary care hospitals in four governorates in Yemen. Univariable and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to examine the relationship between participant variables and their knowledge. A P-value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Out of the 1003 pregnant women, 35.4% (n = 355) were aged 21-25 years, 33.9% (n = 340) had primary education, 73.6% (n = 738) lived in urban areas, 12.2% (n = 122) were smokers, 38.3% (n = 384) reported chewing khat, and the majority (90.2%, n = 905) were unemployed. Also, 65.5% (n = 657) of the participants reported taking folic acid in their current pregnancy. A total of 2,623 medications were utilized during pregnancy, with 17.8% during the first trimester (n = 468). Around 39.3% (n = 1,037) of medications used fell under the blood and blood-forming organs category. Education level (AOR: 4.00, P < .001), insurance status (AOR: 1.71, P = .026), information about medication risks to the fetus (AOR: 1.96, P = .023), the use of folic acid either in a previous pregnancy (AOR: 1.65, P < .008) or in the current pregnancy (AOR: 4.26, P < .001), and checking the medication leaflet (AOR: 5.67, P < .001) were predictors of higher knowledge. The findings underscore the pressing need for educational interventions aimed at pregnant women. By bridging knowledge gaps and promoting informed decision-making, such initiatives can contribute to a safer and healthier pregnancy journey, reducing the inclination towards self-medication.

Maternity emergencies 1: antepartum haemorrhage

This series on maternity care will highlight a range of maternity emergencies and detail the pathophysiology as well as their prehospital treatment and management. The series starts with antepartum haemorrhage and will progress through the pregnancy journey to the postpartum in each episode. Antepartum haemorrhage is serious and unpredictable, and the paramedic plays an important role in identifying its symptoms and managing it. The term woman and mother is used, but pronouns may need to be adapted because of patient preference.

Traditional care and alternative therapies for pregnant women: a comparative review

Traditional care and alternative therapies are gradually becoming prevalent in the era of pharmaceutical medicine. Pregnant women are now using more of the traditional therapies because of the increasing acceptance, notably after the COVID-19 outbreak, to handle pregnancy issues such as morning sickness, anxiety, and pain naturally and holistically. The article includes some of the most popular traditional and alternative treatments, which include yoga, ayurveda, herbal treatment, acupressure, reflexology, massage therapy, moxibustion plus music and dance therapy, as well as aromatherapy, hypnotherapy homeopathy, and reiki. Patients will require knowledge of what each one of them has to benefit them when they use them during pregnancy since not all could be safe or even helpful while expecting a baby. A well-known fact in the literature today is an increasing reliance on traditional treatments, which is considered risk-free compared to conventional medicine, enhancing physical and psychological well-being. The paper is a basic guide to pregnancy management that may involve using traditional and alternative medicines, which have been proved by research. If these care and therapies are accompanied by good medical advice on issues concerning the wellness of the unborn child and its mother in general, will help to ease their pregnancy journey.

Holistic preconception care: Providing real-time guidance via a mobile app to optimise maternal and child health.

Preconception is a critical period to optimise gamete function and early placental development, essential for successful conception and long-term maternal-child health. However, there is a lack of preconception services and consequently, global fertility rates continue to fall and mothers embark on their pregnancy journey in poor health. There is an urgent need to implement a holistic community-level preconception care programme to optimise risk factors for poor fecundability and improve long-term maternal-child health. We reviewed current evidence on fecundability lifestyle risk factors, the efficacy of existing preconception interventions and the use of digital platforms for health optimisation, to create a new digital-based preconception intervention model that will be implemented via an app. We present the theory, content and mode of delivery of this holistic model targeting couples planning for pregnancy. We propose a new model featuring a user-friendly mobile app, which enables couples to self-assess fecundability risks through a personalised risk score that drives a tailored management plan. This tiered management provides anticipatory guidance supported by evidence-based recommen-dations, and promotes ongoing engagement for behavioural optimisation and specialist referrals as required. Based on the health belief model, this new model delivered with a mobile app seeks to shift couples' perceptions about their susceptibility and severity of subfertility, benefits of making a change and barriers to change. Our proposed digital-based intervention model via a mobile app stands to enhance preconcep-tion care by providing personalised risk assessments, real-time feedback and tiered management to optimise preconception reproductive health of couples. This model forms a reference content framework for future preconception care intervention delivery.

The complex intersection of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, antiphospholipid syndrome, and infertility: a successful pregnancy journey

The complex intersection of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, antiphospholipid syndrome, and infertility: a successful pregnancy journey

Preservation of Femininity in A. K. Summers’ Pregnant Butch

This study examines the depiction of femininity in the graphic novel Pregnant Butch by A. K. Summers. The novel follows the story of Teek, who is experiencing pregnancy as a butch lesbian for the first time. This article investigates Teek’s sustaining femininity throughout her pregnancy journey as a butch. A butch itself is a gender expression that holds a masculine role in lesbian relationships. The researchers took the data of this analysis is taken by reading the graphic novels thoroughly, approaching the analysis from Teek's perspective, compiling a list of dialogues and interactions, and categorizing the collected data into specific themes. Using a qualitative method, the researchers in this analysis underline the uniqueness between masculinity and femininity illustrated in the graphic novel. In conclusion, Teek's experience of femininity during pregnancy enriches her butch identity, emphasizing her ability to balance both masculine and feminine aspects of herself. The study highlights the significance of feminine elements in Teek's unwavering expression of femininity.

Cradle Care

Abstract: In a rapidly evolving landscape where digital solutions are revolutionizing healthcare, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of comprehensive support for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. This abstract introduces an innovative Pregnancy App with AI that aspires to bridge gaps in traditional healthcare systems, offering proactive, accessible, and personalized guidance to address the critical needs of both the mother and the unborn child. Pregnancy represents a pivotal phase in a woman's life, and ensuring the well-being of both mother and child is paramount. This groundbreaking Pregnancy App with AI is meticulously designed to transform the way we approach prenatal care, empowering expectant mothers with the tools they need for a healthy and informed pregnancy experience. This presentation unfolds the core objectives of the Pregnancy App, shedding light on its integration of cutting-edge AI technologies, and the research underpinning its development. By harnessing collective knowledge from an extensive literature survey, we have identified key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have profoundly influenced the features and functionalities of our application. In summary, the Pregnancy App with AI stands at the forefront of digital healthcare solutions, redefining the pregnancy journey by offering personalized, proactive, and accessible support. Through the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies and the insights garnered from in-depth research, our application promises to transform the way we approach prenatal care, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child throughout this critical phase of life

A Chatbot System for Supporting Women and Families during Pregnancy

PregBot is an innovative system that harnesses the power of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to provide comprehensive support to women and families throughout the pregnancy journey. Recognizing the varying needs and challenges faced by expectant mothers, PregBot aims to revolutionize the maternal healthcare experience by offering personalized guidance, real-time query resolution, and a virtual community for support and connection. The system leverages ML algorithms to analyze user data and tailor responses, while NLP techniques enable natural language interactions, allowing users to communicate with PregBot in a conversational manner. By continuously learning from user interactions, PregBot adapts and evolves, ensuring the delivery of timely and relevant information based on the user's unique circumstances and stage of pregnancy. With its innovative approach to maternal healthcare, PregBot represents a significant step towards empowering women, promoting positive pregnancy experiences, and contributing to the overall well-being of expectant mothers and their families.

Digital geographies of miscarriage: A ‘sister‐ethnographic’ approach to pregnancy apps and loss

AbstractPregnancy apps have become a popular healthcare tool with millions of users worldwide. While branded as inclusive, they nevertheless normalise a particular pregnancy journey: one culminating in birth. Knowing that pregnancies end for various reasons – with one in five resulting in miscarriage – we seek to challenge this narrow framing. Deviating from existing literature, our paper explores the emotional geographies of pregnancy apps when birth is not the outcome. Set through a series of ‘app annotations’ by two sisters navigating pregnancy loss, our paper explores how a leading app was intimately encountered. Drawing inspiration from graphics literature, we advance a new method and activist tool that centres the body – and particularly embodied loss – in digital debates. In so doing we hope to turn geography's ‘digital turn’ towards a more creative set of tools, heeding feminist calls to engage technological intimacies. Vitally, this work illuminates those lives (and losses) systematically excluded – often in the name of life itself.

The pregnancy journey of a patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: A case study

Pregnancy in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is considered a very high-risk and is not recommended as it might cause fatal consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Even though chronic kidney disease affects the physiological components of fertility, decreasing the possibility of spontaneous conceptions, unwanted pregnancies still happen, and a small percentage of women with ESRD become pregnant. All women with kidney disease should have access to specialists in renal disease and pregnancy who can support, care for, and monitor them during their pregnancy. We reported a case of a 37-year-old primigravida who has ESRD on hemodialysis. The pregnancy journey was uneasy, but eventually she successfully passed through it. The most challenging issues to treat and manage throughout this pregnancy are anemia, the risks of eclampsia, and uncontrolled hypertension. The management of this patient requires multidisciplinary and shared care monitoring by the nephrologist, obstetrician, and primary care doctor.

Influential Social Determinants of Adherence to Preventive and Health Promotion Activities during Pregnancy and the First Year of Life: Systematic Review.

Effective monitoring throughout pregnancy and the first year of life is a crucial factor in achieving lower rates of maternal and infant mortality. Currently, research on socioeconomic factors that influence the lack of adherence to preventive and control measures during pregnancy and the first year of life is limited. The objective of this review is to examine the available evidence on social determinants that influence participation in health promotion and preventive activities throughout the pregnancy journey and in infants during their first year of life. We performed a systematic review of the literature searching in the major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, WOS, and Cochrane Library) for articles from February 2017 to May 2023 containing information on health inequities that impact participation in health promotion and preventive measures from pregnancy through the first year of an infant's life. A total of 12 studies were selected; these studies were performed in ten different countries on five different continents. The selected studies cover preventive measures during maternal care, vaccination, and immunization during pregnancy and the first year of life, newborn screening, and follow-up of the first 12 months of life. The social factors associated with low adherence to health promotion activities during pregnancy and the first year of life include education, income, ethnicity, place of residence, and family characteristics. Despite the diverse geographical distribution, it is observed that there are common social factors linked to a decrease in the adherence to preventive measures during pregnancy and in the early years of life.

ONLINE MATERNITY LEARNING JOURNEYS WITH STUDENT NURSES

Adult and mental health nurses, while not specialists in maternity care, often encounter pregnant women and birthing people in their daily work. Nurses’ ability to understand and empathise with the pregnancy journey is therefore essential. As part of the maternity curriculum for a rural first-year BSc adult/mental health nursing cohort, students attended new, interactive ‘gamified’ online lectures. The lectures encouraged students to explore experiences and choices from the client’s perspective during the antenatal period and labour.

Topics searched by first-time Indonesian fathers during pregnancy journey: An exploratory study.

This study explores the topics searched by first-time Indonesian fathers during the pregnancy journey. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of first-time expectant fathers in Indonesia. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes and patterns in fathers' search topics and reasons behind the searches. The results reveal that fathers predominantly focus on finding topics related to their partners' well-being with particular emphasis on health-related topics. Interestingly, the study highlights a lower engagement with topics related to cultural practices, traditions, and religion among first-time Indonesian fathers. Additionally, understanding the situation and finding the solutions to a problem is one of the main popular reasons for first-time fathers to seek a particular topic related to pregnancy. This study provides valuable insights into the topics searched and motivations of first-time Indonesian fathers during the pregnancy journey which have similarities and differences to fathers' practices in developed countries. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored intervention programs to promote paternal involvement during this transformative period which addresses the unique information needs of Indonesian fathers.

On Pregnancy Journey and Early Parenting: Young Indigenous Mothers in Context

The objective of this study was to explore and understand the experiences of young Indigenous mothers during their pregnancy and early parenting. Using qualitative descriptive phenomenology, the study was conducted among 14 purposefully chosen Indigenous young mothers aged 14-17 years old and caring for at least one child who is two years of age. There were seven participants for the focus group discussion and seven for the in-depth interview. The descriptive phenomenological method developed by Colaizzi was used in the research study to analyze data. The study's findings showed that the challenges experienced by the participants were used to process the data. The three main themes of the study are as follows: The Winding River of Motherhood, Prayer as a Universal Solvent, and Navigating Life’s Waters. The means of coping with the challenges the participants experienced were Faith’s Resilient Beacon, and Pillars of Unwavering Support. Finally, the insights they shared with their fellow Indigenous mothers and society in general were the themes: The Art of Making Wise Choices, The Scholar’s Beacon, and Echoes of the Looking Glass. It entails that the families, government, and other concerned agencies aggressively promote and offer educational opportunities, livelihood programs, and healthcare services for young Indigenous mothers as a powerful advocacy to positively impact their life paths.

Experiences of women receiving maternal care regarding cultural practices in selected public hospitals in the North West Province, South Africa

BackgroundMidwives providing care to a culturally diverse society must know and understand the important cultural practices for women receiving maternal care. On the part of the midwives, balancing an act of respecting cultural beliefs and practices while maintaining the professional standard of care is an art. ObjectiveTo explore and describe the experiences of women receiving maternal care regarding cultural practices and their perception about midwives providing maternal care. MethodA phenomenological, qualitative and descriptive design approach was chosen for this study. Women receiving maternal care (antenatal and postpartum) within five public hospitals in the North West Province of South Africa, were purposively sampled. A total of fifty (n = 50) in-depth individual interviews, guided by an interview guide, were conducted in English or Setswana. The interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim followed by thematic analysis. The independent co-coder also conducted data analysis to enhance rigour. FindingsParticipants described specific self-care practices which are essential to them during the antenatal period. These included restricting movement and social activities, wearing loose clothing, not smoking and attending the antenatal clinic. Important cultural practices included consulting traditional healers for protection against evil spirits throughout the pregnancy journey. The cultural practices in the postnatal period involved using traditional medicines to protect the newborn as well. ConclusionThe objective of this study was achieved as the women receiving maternal care were able to share their important cultural practices during antenatal care until postnatal period, they further revealed that their cultural practices are not allowed.

Prenatal Gentle Yoga Teknik Savasana Berpengaruh Terhadap Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Trimester III

The pregnancy journey often brings about anxiety or stress due to significant transitions in a woman's life. Managing this anxiety involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. One non-pharmacological method to alleviate anxiety in pregnant women during the third trimester is the Prenatal Gentle Yoga Savasana Technique. This study aimed to analyze the impact of Prenatal Gentle Yoga Savasana Technique on anxiety among third-trimester pregnant women in the Rejoso Community Health Center area in Pasuruan Regency. The research used a one-group pretest-posttest design approach. The population comprised all third-trimester pregnant women in the Rejoso Community Health Center area, totaling 15 pregnant women. The sample was selected using total sampling. Research instruments included a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the independent variable and a questionnaire for the dependent variable. Data were analyzed using the Independent Sample t-test. The analysis results showed a p-value 0.05, indicating that the Prenatal Gentle Yoga Savasana Technique had an impact on anxiety among third-trimester pregnant women in the Rejoso Community Health Center area in Pasuruan Regency. The conclusion drawn from the research is that engaging in physical activity through prenatal yoga can reduce anxiety in pregnant women. Future research might delve deeper into the causes of anxiety and the unpreparedness of pregnant women in facing the childbirth process. Additionally, exploring other interventions to reduce anxiety in pregnant women and enhancing their knowledge in preparing for childbirth could be valuable areas for further study.

Developing a group Model of ANC-PNC through human-centered Design (HCD) to Improve MNCH of first-time Mothers (FTMs) in Bangladesh

Objective: First-time parenthood is a complex and emotional journey. The gap between demand and quality services for maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and family planning (FP) are significant. Lack of time, awareness, and social support are critical challenges of meeting the service requirement for the young and first-time mothers, especially working mothers in urban areas. Objective of the study was to design an intervention model for the young pregnant women and their partners for improving the quality and use of MNCH and FP services and information. Methods: Using a human-centered design (HCD) approach, we conducted 27 in-depth interviews, 10 focus group discussions, and eight mock sessions with first-time mothers, partners, family members, community influencers and service providers in Tongi, Gazipur. During phase 1, we explored the current realities of life and experience of services, both ideal and existing, from perspectives of a diverse set of stakeholders including both health care providers and care seekers. During phase 2, we designed, tested, and iterated the “group model” of antenatal Care through a series of mock sessions, interviews and consultation with service providers and authorities. We recorded, transcribed, and translated the data for collaborative synthesis and analysis process to generate insight and opportunities for optimizing service delivery and uptake. Results: The study findings spoke for the need of providing group sessions for first time parents, social support from peers and family members and capacity development of the service providers. After careful consideration of the stakeholder needs and preferences, the national guidelines and the local implementing partner’s available resources, we arrived at the recommended group model inclusive of five Group Antenatal Care (GANC) and two group Postnatal Care (GPNC) for mothers. All the pregnant women underwent through clinical checkups by medically trained professionals, mainly midwives and doctors. The group model also includes two GANC and one GPNC for fathers, as well as informative sessions for companions. The prototype model included five GANC and two GPNC sessions for mothers, two GANC and one GPNC session for fathers, and informative sessions for companions. The sessions included pregnant women of close gestational age, use of visual aids to support session facilitation, and activities to support group bonding and information retention. Conclusions: The Group Model offering 5 ANC and 2 PNC for women, 2 GANC and 1 GPNC for male partners, and sessions for caregivers was developed in line with the national and WHO recommendation. This model found a feasible approach that involved partners and caregivers in the process and increased MNCH and social support during the voyage of the pregnancy journey. Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2022; Vol. 37(1): 14-23

Unexpecting: mental health after pregnancy loss

, Miscarriage affects millions of women annually. The frequency of which miscarriage occurs, and the ease associated with the medical management of miscarriage has meant that a miscarriage is now considered a common pregnancy complication.1 Due to the perceived simplicity in medical management during a miscarriage, providers often neglect the mental healthcare of the mother during such a traumatic loss.2 Healthcare should be all-encompassing, efficient, effective, and humanistic, guiding patients through their treatment with physical and mental care. The medicalized view of miscarriage does not consider the physiological and psychological trauma, grief, and distress experienced by women following a miscarriage.1,2 This article will show that depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) are common after a miscarriage, particularly in a late miscarriage when a woman feels in the “safe” zone of her pregnancy journey and yet suddenly becomes unexpecting. This article will also highlight that during a miscarriage, regardless of gestational age, healthcare providers are adding to the trauma already experienced during the loss due to the lack of empathy and lack of supportive care provided.3 Additionally, this article explores what studies have concluded, that women going through a miscarriage believe that healthcare providers often lack acknowledgment of what the expecting mother is going through and healthcare providers fail to help with managing the distress and ongoing care needed following a miscarriage, contributing to disenfranchising the grief that occurs with pregnancy loss

PARENT EDUCATION SERIES – PART 3: THE BIRTH AND BEYOND POSTNATAL PROVISION

The Birth &amp; Beyond team is a dedicated group of Specialist Parent Education Midwives at The Royal Surrey Hospital who provide free and paid-for NHS parent education. The service was founded by Claire Barraud and Kate Conway as part of an incoming generating project. In part two we focused on the antenatal classes and courses offered. This article focuses on the postnatal preparation and classes offered by the Birth &amp; Beyond team based on our five pillars of approach: Supporting parental and infant mental wellbeing Inclusivity Offering community Maintaining continuity of information and facilitation Ensuring a continuum of information throughout the pregnancy journey to early parenthood

Embracing the Science of Motherhood: Pregnancy's Transformative Effects on the Central Nervous System and the Radiance of Maternal Hormones and Immune Responses.

Pregnancy is often thought of as a time of happiness and anticipation, however, for some women, it can bring about significant emotional distress and feelings of vulnerability. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, including hormonal fluctuations and alterations to the immune and physical systems, can affect various parts of the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). As a result, existing conditions may be intensified or new ones, such as neurologic or psychiatric disorders, may arise, exposing women to increased risk of life-threatening conditions or suicide, in the worst-case scenarios. Given the impact of pregnancy on CNS diseases, it is crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike to be aware of these potential effects. By understanding how pregnancy may affect the CNS, clinicians can take appropriate steps to ensure that women receive the care and support they need to minimize any negative outcomes for both the mother and the baby. This paper aims to review the available evidence on the impact of pregnancy on CNS diseases, including mental health conditions, from both the clinical and biomolecular perspectives. By illuminating this crucial subject, this study fosters a delicate understanding within both patients and healthcare providers, thereby paving the way for enhanced outcomes for women throughout their pregnancy journey and beyond.