High Risk Maternity Care

Although midwives usually work with healthy women, sadly there are still occasions where medical intervention is necessary. In order to minimise the danger to mothers, it is vital that midwives can recognise deterioration and are aware of what action to take. Taking into account recommendations made by successive CEMACE reports on maternal deaths, High Risk Maternity Care examines relevant pathophysiology and pharmacology, highlighting appropriate interventions and how to interpret indications of clinical deterioration.

This practical textbook is divided into three parts covering assessment, intervention, and developing midwifery practice. Each chapter includes learning outcomes, case studies, key points, a Priorities for Midwifery Practice section and further reading. The chapters also have "time out/activity based" sessions to encourage readers to reflect on the content of the chapter and help them to relate the content to their own clinical practice.

Topics include:

• Respiratory assessment and pulse oximetry
• Recognizing common dysrhythmias
• Fluids and electrolyte disturbances
• Stress and psychological disturbances
• Ruptured uterus and hemorrhaging
• Eclampsia
• Ethical, legal, and professional implications
• Practice development

This text is suitable for midwifery students studying critical care in midwifery and high-risk maternity care or undertaking placements in level two or three settings. It will also be a valuable reference work for qualified midwives―especially those working in hospital settings―and critical care nurses.