Antepartum Care

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of nurse-midwifery, with an emphasis on antepartum care. Care of the pregnant person, fetus, and childbearing family during the prenatal period are explored holistically from each of the following perspectives: biological, physiological, developmental, and cultural. The educational and nutritional needs of the pregnant person are examined. Students learn how to perform comprehensive assessments on a pregnant person at all gestational ages, as well as the timing and indication of screening tests during pregnancy. An emphasis is placed on prevention and screening based on evidence-based research. Normal fetal growth and fetal testing options are covered. Research-based advanced nursing interventions, including physiological, psychosocial and pharmacological interventions to promote, to maintain, and to restore the optimal health of pregnant persons are explored. Clinical practice guidelines are highlighted and attention given to cultural, socioeconomic and family variations in the provision of care in the antepartum setting.