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Subject: search.filters.subject.Prenatal care

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    An encounter group approach to psychological care during pregnancy : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1976) Willacy, Olina
    Pregnancy is seen as a time of psychological change in the normal woman. Supportive antenatal care is beneficial in decreasing stress in the mother and in promoting future mental health in the whole family. Fifty-two women attending a suburban General Practice at which encounter groups were offered as part of routine antenatal care, were studied during the last trimester of pregnancy with the general aim of providing information necessary for the improvement of antenatal health care services. A series of questionnaires were completed by the women prior to their being invited to join the encounter groups, and again two weeks prior to their estimated date of delivery. These included I.P.A.T. Neuroticism Scale Questionnaire, and the use of a semantic differential technique to assess attitudes. It was found that pregnant women show a much higher level of neuroticism than would be expected in the normal population of women, and this was most marked in multigravidae. The profile was typified, by an increased score on E (submissiveness) component, and a decreased score on the I (tendermindedness) component. These were interpreted as being changes beneficial to the psychological health of the mother. The most important underlying factor in the attitudes of the pregnant woman was related to the perception of the husband. Only half of the women had planned their pregnancies, but almost all had a positive attituds towards motherhood. The majority hoped to have their husbands present at delivery, and a large proportion intended to breastfeed. None of the women had taken full advantage of the methods of preparation for parenthood available to them, and many had not discussed childbirth with their friends or mothers. The thirty-two women who attended the encounter groups were characterised by higher I (tendermindedness) scores on tho N.S.Q., and primigravidae were more likely to attend than multigravidae. Multigravidae who did attend differed from multigravidae who did not, both on the N.S.Q. and on the basis of their previous obstetric history, having had shorter labours and having produced larger babies previously. The principal functions of the encounter group were to provide information and companionship, and to increase self-confidence. Members gained maximum reassurance from seeing others return safely with their infants after delivery. The use of groups such as these in training workers in the field of maternal health care to empathise with their patients is stressed.
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    Perinatal mental health policy : young women's mental health support during pregnancy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Social Policy at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2008) Parsons, Jane Elizabeth
    A woman's reproductive period is when she is most likely to suffer mental ill-health with this risk increased for young women. Mental ill-health in the perinatal period is identified as common but with significant implications for the young women and her family (Dearman et al., 2007; Petrillo et al., 2005; Riecher-RÖssler & Steiner, 2005). From as early as a few weeks post conception, the foetal brain is found to be affected by maternal stress and mental ill-health. This continues to affect the infant postnatally and is exacerbated if maternal mental ill-health is not treated. Young women are more likely to experience impediments to their wellbeing in the perinatal period. Thus, introduction of suitable formal support perinatally can have a prophylactic effect on maternal and infant mental illness. Through feminist research methods, utilising semi-structured qualitative interviews, four pregnant women thirty years and under in the perinatal stage of pregnancy and four health professionals working in the field of maternal mental health explore with the researcher their experiences of mental health support and education during pregnancy. This research demonstrates how services are currently unable to appropriately meet the needs of young pregnant women due to lack of attention to gender and youth issues and the dominance of a medical model understanding that has allowed this negation through minimising holistic, contextual treatment. The gendered construction of health services and recent market principles in state provisions are evidenced by the compartmentalisation of services, lack of collaboration between these services, competition for resources, and rigidly defined roles of health professionals that present access barriers for young pregnant women. A need to enhance formal supports and create policy frameworks and practice guidelines to direct this support is identified alongside recommendations for increased service provision, education, and screening at the primary healthcare level.
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    First antenatal visit : meeting now for the future : a grounded theory study of the meeting between the independent midwife and the pregnant woman : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Midwifery
    (Massey University, 1999) Sylvester, Mary R
    This is a study of what happens between independent midwives and women at the first antenatal visit. Six experienced midwives and six pregnant women participated in the research. Data were gathered through the observation of six first antenatal visits, individual interviews with the women and midwives and a review of the literature. Grounded theory was used to conduct the study, and a descriptive model of the first antenatal visit emerged. Up until the change to the Nurses Act in 1990 midwives predominately practiced within the hospital system. Since 1990 and the legalising of independent midwifery practice in New Zealand, midwives have taken up the challenge to practice independently. A few guidelines have been set to assist independent midwives in practice; some of the guidelines being used have been taken from the hospital system into independent practice. The first antenatal visit is the beginning point of the relationship between the pregnant woman and the midwife. It is a key element for determining the quality and effectiveness of a mother's subsequent maternity care (Methven, 1990). The midwife and the woman each have an important part to play in the first antenatal visit which sets the stage for future care. The data from the study revealed a number of paradoxes that exist when independent midwives deliver midwifery-only care. The basic social process to emerge from the study was "meeting now for the future" but the study identified that the midwife and the woman are meeting for different reasons.
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    Making decisions : focusing on my baby's well-being : a grounded theory study exploring the way that decisions were made in the midwife-woman relationship : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Midwifery at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1998) Calvert, Susan
    This thesis presents a study using a Grounded Theory methodology to explore the way that decisions were made in the midwife-woman relationship. The purpose of this study was to explore the woman's experience of the way that decisions were made, to gain an understanding of it and finally to present a description of the way such decisions were made when women utilised midwife-only care within the New Zealand maternity setting. Ten women were invited to participate. A diverse sample of women with different birth experiences and from different cultures was obtained. The sample was obtained using the tool of theoretical sampling which highlighted, through data analysis, the need for participants with different characteristics. All women who were interviewed were asked to describe their pregnancy and birth experience, their relationship with their midwife and the way they believed decisions were made during their pregnancy and birth experience. Data analysis was performed using the constant comparative method. Results showed that women acted in ways to ensure their baby's safety. Women initially acknowledged their pregnancy and as a result, they selected a maternity carer and participated in self education. To ensure their baby's well-being women undertook procedures and followed instructions from their midwife. Whilst they planned for their birth and made decisions that effected themselves and their unborn child, the primary goal behind these actions was their baby's health. The women trusted their midwives to endorse actions that would lead to a safe outcome. At times the women wanted midwives to make decisions for them. Choice, continuity and control are important to women but safety is vital.