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Definition of the Midwife

A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.

She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, procurement of medical assistance and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help. She has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and extends to certain areas of gynaecology, family planning and child care. She may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions or in any other service.

(This definition was jointly developed by the International Confederation of Midwives and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and later adopted by the World Health Organisation)

The International Day of the Midwife

International Midwives Day is an occassion to celebrate and promote the profession of midwifery. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises midwives as the health professionals best able to deliver safe, cost effective maternity services to the majority of families.
A midwife is educated to give all necessary care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn period.
Midwives believe that childbirth is a normal and significant life event for women and their families.

Midwives around the world celebrate on May 5 each year

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) launched the ‘International Day of the Midwife’ initiative in 1992.

The aim of the day is to celebrate midwifery and to bring awareness of the importance of midwives’ work to as many people as possible. This is achieved in many different ways according to what works best in each country.

Johnsons Baby Midwife of The Year

Midwife of the Year Award

JOHNSONS® baby Midwife of the Year Award was launched on International Midwives Day (IMD), May 5, in 2000 to raise the profile of midwives and increase public awareness of the important role midwives play in the care of women and their families before, during and after the birth of their babies.

Although the award is only in its infancy it has already been a wonderful success in lifting the mood, spirit and profile of midwives. This success has the capacity to make this event one that will be clearly recognised and anticipated annually for what it is – a celebration and acknowledgment of the vital role midwives play in our communities. Continue reading Johnsons Baby Midwife of The Year…

Pregnancy planning

This does not mean rushing out to the nearest baby store. It means getting into shape medically before getting pregnant and it includes both you and your partner. You want your body to be in peak condition so that when you do get pregnant you give your child the best possible start.

Pre-conception check up
Your first step should be to take a trip, with your partner, to your doctor for a pre-conception visit. This will enable you to make sure that you are up to date with your regular health screenings and immunisations, to discuss any concerns about the pregnancy that you may have and to decide on any lifestyle changes that may need to be made. Your doctor will be able to get a good picture of your overall health and any aspects of your medical history and your family’s medical history that could affect your pregnancy. You should also be asked if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as any herbs or supplements, as these may have to be altered before or after conception.

If you, as the prospective mother, have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, lupus or high blood pressure, it is important for both you and your baby to make sure that the condition is under control before you get pregnant. For instance, women with diabetes must ensure that they have excellent control of blood sugar levels around the time of conception as this reduces the chance of the baby having a congenital abnormality. Continue reading Pregnancy planning…

Pregnancy after 35 years of age

While many women over 35 years have normal pregnancies, those over 35 do have special considerations for pregnancy. Making the right choices early on and working with your doctor or obstetrician can help your pregnancy be trouble-free.

Making the right choices

What’s healthy for you is often healthy for your baby. What’s harmful to you may harm your baby even more. Before and after you become pregnant:

• do not use recreational or illicit drugs;
• do not drink alcohol; and
• do not smoke.

Continue reading Pregnancy after 35 years of age…

Diet and Pregnancy

Pregnancy and diet

Good nutrition during pregnancy will help to keep a developing baby and its mother healthy. The need for certain nutrients such as calcium, iron and folate is increased at this time but only a small amount of extra energy (kilojoules) is needed. Women should be encouraged to eat to their appetite and monitor their weight. A normal weight gain is around 10-13kg for women who are a healthy pre-conception weight.

Healthy foods for pregnant women
It is important to choose a wide variety of foods to ensure the nutritional needs of both mother and baby are met. Try to eat:

Lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals

Moderate amounts of low fat dairy foods and lean meats

Small amounts of foods high in fat, sugar and salt

Lean meat, chicken and fish

Dried beans and lentils

Nuts and seeds

Low fat milk, cheese and yoghurt

Green leafy vegetables. Continue reading Diet and Pregnancy…

PREGNANCY AND EXERCISE

Regular exercise during pregnancy can prepare your body for labour and the demands of a new baby. Caring for a newborn can be stressful and physically demanding, so it helps to be fit and strong.

You may need to modify your existing exercise program or choose a suitable new exercise program if you were sedentary before conceiving. Suggestions for exercise during pregnancy include walking, swimming and supervised classes such as yoga or tai chi. Pelvic floor exercises are also important before, during and after pregnancy.

Always consult your doctor, physiotherapist or health care professional to make sure your exercise routine won’t harm you or your unborn baby.

If you have high blood pressure, multiple foetuses, increased risk of premature labour, pre-eclampsia or heart disease, you should seek advice from your doctor. You may be advised to limit or avoid physical activity. Continue reading PREGNANCY AND EXERCISE…

FIRST and SECOND TRIMESTER SCREENING

What is Down’s syndrome?
Every human being has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. Each man’s sperm has 23 chromosomes and so does each woman’s egg, so that when conception occurs and the sperm fertilises the egg, a new human being with a full complement of chromosomes is formed. Sometimes mistakes occur and give rise to what are described as chromosomal abnormalities. Down’s syndrome is one of these. At conception, instead of one number 21 chromosome from the father and one from the mother coming together, a third chromosome creeps in and is then duplicated in every cell of the baby’s body. Down’s syndrome, sometimes called trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal abnormality, occurring approximately once in every 700 births.
What are the characteristics of Down’s syndrome?
People with Down’s may have certain physical characteristics, such as eyes that slant upwards and outwards, a single crease running across the palm of the hand, low-set ears and small hands. Certain medical conditions are more likely to occur in people with Down’s syndrome. These include heart defects, which occur in one in three children with Down’s, digestive tract defects, and sometimes problems with sight and hearing. The most striking effect of Down’s, however, is on learning ability. People with Down’s syndrome will all have some degree of learning difficulty. Many people with Down’s will go to ordinary schools and lead semi-independent lives, but others will need full-time care. Babies born today with Down’s syndrome can expect to live between 40 and 60 years on average. You can read more about Down’s syndrome here. Continue reading FIRST and SECOND TRIMESTER SCREENING…

Pregnancy tests and chorionic villus sampling

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a pregnancy test that checks the baby for genetic or biochemical abnormalities. The placenta is made of the same cells as the baby, so the baby can be tested by taking a small sample of the placenta. The sample is removed using a slender needle inserted through the abdomen. The tissue (chorionic villi) is then examined in a laboratory.

Unlike other pregnancy tests such as ultrasound, CVS isn’t a general check of the baby’s health but a specific test for particular abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis. The risk of miscarriage following CVS is one in 100, so it is important to thoroughly understand the benefits, risks and complications before agreeing to take the test. Generally, CVS is offered between 10 and 19 weeks gestation. Continue reading Pregnancy tests and chorionic villus sampling…

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a medical procedure performed on a pregnant woman to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the foetus. By about the 16th week of pregnancy, the developing baby is suspended in around 130ml of amniotic fluid, which the baby constantly swallows and excretes. The goal of amniocentesis is to examine a tiny amount of this fluid to obtain information about the baby – including its sex – and to detect physical abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome or spina bifida. Amniocentesis is only performed on women thought to be at higher risk of delivering a child with a birth defect.

Problems detected by amniocentesis
Amniocentesis can detect a number of disorders that will affect babies, while they are still a small foetus in the uterus. These conditions include:

Down’s syndrome.

Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Cystic fibrosis.

Genetic disorders – amniotic fluid samples can be DNA tested to identify a wide range of genetic disorders, including Fragile X syndrome, phenylketonuria, Tay-Sachs disease and sickle cell disease. Continue reading Amniocentesis…