NURS 247 OB Final study guide- final copy

Changes in Maternal Newborn health through the use of technology and the scope of nursing: Pre 1900’s: Birth @ home with assistance of midwives. Physicians involved for serious problems. “Natural event” Maternal & infant mortality high. Main causes of maternal death: post partum hemorrhage, post partum infection (aka puerperal sepsis or “childbed fever”), toxemia Primary causes of infant death: prematurity, dehydration d/t diarrhea, & contagious diseases. ’s: Obstetrical training of physicians & use of forceps brought deliveries to hospitals. 1940’s - 1950’s: 80% women gave birth in hospitals. Male physicians. No midwives. Heavy drugs (demerol) “twilight sleep” for labor & delivery. General for C/S Fathers not allowed in DR; “waiting rooms” 1960’s: Women wanted ^ control over their bodies. Took childbirth education classes. Hospital deliveries were norm. 1970 – 1980’s: Change from cold, sterile hospital environment to warmer setting [family present]. Birthing rooms “Epidural anesthesia” – women awake for vaginal & C/S. Natural childbirth still popular – but more women opting for pain relief during labor & delivery. Fathers present for most types of deliveries except C/S. “Rooming in” popular. M/B together for entire hospital stay. Present: Focus is “family”; fathers active participants. Analgesia/anesthetic agents’ monitored/used more. Shorter hospital stay; Sibling visits encouraged