Effect of COVID-19 on delivery plans and postnatal depression scores of pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: Owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak Hong Kong hospitals have suspended visiting periods and made mask wearing mandatory. In obstetrics, companionship during childbirth has been suspended and prenatal exercises, antenatal talks, hospital tours, and postnatal classes have been cancelled. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of these restrictive measures on delivery plans and risks of postpartum depression. METHODS: We compared pregnancy data and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) scores of women who delivered between the pre-alert period (1 Jan 2019 to 4 Jan 2020) and post-alert period (5 Jan 2020 to 30 Apr 2020) in a tertiary university public hospital in Hong Kong. Screening for postpartum depression was performed routinely using the EPDS questionnaire 1 day and within 1 week after delivery. RESULTS: There was a 13.1% reduction in the number of deliveries between 1 January and 30 April from 1144 in 2019 to 994 in 2020. The EPDS scores were available for 4357 out of 4531 deliveries (96.2%). A significantly higher proportion of women had EPDS scores of ≥10 1 day after delivery in the post-alert group than the pre-alert group (14.4% vs 11.9%; P<0.05). More women used pethidine (6.2% vs 4.6%) and fewer used a birthing ball (8.5% vs 12.4%) for pain relief during labour in the post-alert group. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women reported more depressive symptoms in the postpartum period following the alert announcement regarding coronavirus infection in Hong Kong. This was coupled with a drop in the delivery rate at our public hospital. Suspension of childbirth companionship might have altered the methods of intrapartum pain relief and the overall pregnancy experience.

Policymaker, health provider and community perspectives on male involvement during pregnancy in southern Mozambique: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing male involvement during pregnancy is considered an important, but often overlooked intervention for improving maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa. Intervention studies aimed at improving maternal health mostly target mothers hereby ignoring the crucial role their partners play in their ability to access antenatal care (ANC) and to prevent and treat infectious diseases like HIV and malaria. Very little is known about the current level of male involvement and barriers at different levels. This study explores the attitudes and beliefs of health policymakers, health care providers and local communities regarding men's involvement in maternal health in southern Mozambique. METHODS: Ten key informant interviews with stakeholders were carried out to assess their attitudes and perspectives regarding male involvement in programmes addressing maternal health, followed by 11 days of semi structured observations in health care centers. Subsequently 16 focus group discussions were conducted in the community and at provider level, followed by three in depth couple interviews. Analysis was done by applying a socio-ecological systems theory in thematic analysis. RESULTS: Results show a lack of strategy and coherence at policy level to stimulate male involvement in maternal health programmes. Invitation cards for men are used as an isolated intervention in health facilities but these have not lead to the expected success. Providers have a rather passive attitude towards male involvement initiatives. In the community however, male attendance at ANC is considered important and men are willing to take a more participating role. Main barriers are the association of male attendance at ANC with being HIV infected and strong social norms and gender roles. On the one hand men are seen as caretakers of the family by providing money and making the decisions. On the other hand, men supporting their wife by showing interest in their health or sharing household tasks are seen as weak or as a manifestation of HIV seropositivity. CONCLUSION: A clear strategy at policy level and a multi-level approach is needed. Gender-equitable relationships between men and women should be encouraged in all maternal health interventions and providers should be trained to involve men in ANC.

A salutary childbirth education program: Health promoting by design. A discussion paper.

Pregnancy is an ideal time to focus on health promotion. Many women and their partners attend childbirth education classes to prepare themselves for pregnancy, birth and parenting. However, rather than promoting health, these classes have been criticized for preparing women and their partners for a medicalized birth, which has become the norm in many well-resourced countries. This paper describes the development of a childbirth education program using the theory of salutogenesis. While much has been written about the theory, few have attempted to operationalize the theory for health service delivery, particularly in the maternity care context. The aim of the program was to move individuals participating in the program towards greater health on the health-ease/dis-ease continuum by increasing their sense of coherence, focusing on generalized resistance resources and strengthening the key components comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. This paper describes the development of the program.

Embedding supportive parenting resources into maternity and early years care pathways: a mixed methods evaluation.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy and postnatally, women seek information from a variety of sources. The potential to incorporate educational pregnancy and parenting resources into conventional health services is underexplored. In 2014-2016, UK-based charity Best Beginnings used an embedding model to embed three of their resources - the Baby Buddy app, Baby Express magazine, and 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD - into maternity and early years care pathways at three sites in the north of England. A mixed-methods evaluation comprising an impact evaluation and a process evaluation was undertaken. Here we report findings from the process evaluation that aimed to understand the embedding process, explore maternity and early years' professionals' views and use of the resources, explore women's engagement with and views of the resources, and identify barriers and facilitators to the embedding process. METHODS: We carried out semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (professionals involved in embedding) and observations of embedding activities to understand how embedding worked. Surveys of postnatal women were conducted over a two-month period both prior to, and after, the resources had been embedded, to ascertain engagement with and views of the resources. A survey of professionals was carried out post-embedding to understand how, where and when the resources were used in practice, and professionals' views. Descriptive and thematic analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: Thirty stakeholders took part in interviews. Surveys were completed by 146 professionals, and by 161 and 192 women in the pre and post-embedding phases respectively. Themes derived from analysis of qualitative data were 'Implementation of the embedding model', 'Promotion and distribution of, and engagement with, the resources', 'Fit with care pathways', and 'Perceptions of the resources'. While survey responses indicated that embedding of the resources into practice was not yet complete, those who had used the resources believed that they had helped increase knowledge, build confidence and support relationship-building. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating supportive parenting resources into maternity and early years' care pathways requires a planned embedding approach, committed champions, and senior management support. Findings indicate largely positive views of women and professionals, and suggest the resources can be a beneficial aid for families.

A family-oriented antenatal education program to improve birth preparedness and maternal-infant birth outcomes: A cross sectional evaluation study.

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, the information on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness is insufficiently provided to pregnant women and their families. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and infant outcomes of a family-oriented antenatal group education program that promotes Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in rural Tanzania. METHODS: Pregnant women and families were enrolled in a program about nutrition and exercise, danger signs, and birth preparedness. The cross sectional survey was conducted one year later to evaluate if the participants of the program (intervention group) were different from those who did not participate (control group) with respect to birth-preparedness and maternal and infant outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 194 participants (intervention group, 50; control group, 144) were analyzed. For Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness, the intervention group participants knew a health facility in case of emergency (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.39-6.97); arranged accompaniment to go to a health facility for birth (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.17-5.60); decided the birthplace with or by the pregnant women (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.44-6.70); and attended antenatal clinic more than four times (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.20-4.78). For birth outcomes, the intervention group had less bleeding or seizure during labour and birth (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.13-0.58); fewer Caesarean sections (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07-0.36); and less neonatal complications (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The four variables were significantly better in the intervention group, i.e., identifying a health facility for emergencies, family accompaniment for facility birth, antenatal visits, and involvement of women in decision-making, which may be key factors for improving birth outcome variables. Having identified these key factors, male involvement and healthy pregnant lives should be emphasized in antenatal education to reduce pregnancy and childbirth complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No.2013-273-NA-2013-101 . Registered 12 August 2013.

Imminent birth education for rural and remote settings: An evaluation study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and evaluation of an educational resource that aimed to provide the non-midwifery workforce in rural and remote health facilities with basic knowledge and skills to assist women who present when birth is imminent. DESIGN: Descriptive methods using surveys were employed to evaluate the resource named the Imminent Birth Education Program. PARTICIPANTS: Health professionals employed in Queensland Health rural and remote non-birthing facilities. INTERVENTION: An evidence-based, blended educational program comprising an online component, a face-to-face workshop and an education package for midwives to facilitate the workshop in their health service. RESULTS: More than 600 participants completed the online course component, and the majority of these participants were employed in non-birthing facilities. Throughout the project, two project officers facilitated face-to-face workshops, training participants to facilitate the workshop in their own health services. The reach of the Imminent Birth Education Program was statewide with clinical staff from all 16 Hospital and Health Services participating. CONCLUSION: The uptake of the Imminent Birth Education Program has been widespread across the state and positively evaluated by the rural and remote non-midwifery workforce in non-birthing facilities. This evidence-based program is an effective way to provide the knowledge, skills and confidence to assist health professionals to care for women who present to these facilities when birth is imminent.

Consensus on priorities in maternal education: results of Delphi and nominal group technique approaches.

BACKGROUND: Maternal education is wide-ranging and covers many areas from pregnancy to the immediate postpartum period and childrearing. However, for it to be effective, more resources need to be assigned to key topics. The goal of this study was to identify and prioritize the most important issues in maternal education, so that specific objectives could subsequently be set and learning outcomes evaluated. METHODS: We drew up a comprehensive list of topics addressed in existing maternal education programs, based on a systematic review of information obtained from the Internet and the experience of the research team. The topics were presented to a multidisciplinary panel whose members were asked to rate them from 1 to 9, and consensus of opinion was reached using a two-round Delphi survey, with consensus defined beforehand as 80% agreement among panelists in awarding a score of 7, 8 or 9. The most highly-rated topics were then discussed and again prioritized by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare and non-healthcare experts, using a nominal group technique. RESULTS: Initially, 650 topics were identified and grouped into 80 categories which were then prioritized by 54 healthcare and non-healthcare experts using a Delphi survey with a study participation rate of around 20%. 63 topics were considered very important, so criteria were restricted and only the 24 highest-scoring selected (95% of agreement on scores ≥7 or 80% of agreement on scores ≥8). Using the nominal group technique, a group of 12 experts identified the following priorities: initiation and establishment of breastfeeding, development of a birth plan, identification of problems and self-care postpartum, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, options for pain management in labor and birth and characteristics of a normal newborn/looking after a newborn baby. CONCLUSION: This study, with a Delphi study and the Consensus among Experts: the nominal group technique, has succeeded in identifying priority topics in maternal education. We need to assess women's needs in relation to these topics, design an intervention to respond to these needs and evaluate its effectiveness.

A systematic mixed-studies review on mindfulness-based childbirth education programs and maternal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based childbirth education programs are gaining popularity among expectant parents. PURPOSE: To synthesize knowledge on current available evidence of mindfulness-based childbirth education programs on maternal outcomes and to provide recommendations to improve future mindfulness-based childbirth education programs. METHOD: A mixed-studies systematic review using a narrative synthesis was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched from each database's inception, through November 26, 2018. FINDINGS: Three themes emerged from the synthesis: (a) the duration and receptivity of the programs, (b) improved maternal psychosocial outcomes, and (c) the practice of mindfulness during the postpartum period. A conceptual map was produced. DISCUSSION: The programs resulted in improved maternal psychosocial outcomes. A greater focus on the practice of informal mindfulness should be taught in future mindfulness-based childbirth education programs. Nurses can consider teaching mindfulness techniques in current antenatal classes. The cost effectiveness and receptivity of the programs should be examined. Future mixed-methods longitudinal studies with ideal sample sizes and the exclusion of participants with prior yoga or medication experiences should be conducted.

A survey of contemporary antenatal parental education in Sweden: What is offered to expectant parents and midwives' experiences.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how antenatal parental education is provided in southern Sweden and midwives' experiences of it. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with data collection from 66 antenatal clinics and 189 midwives during 2016. Descriptive and comparative statistics, chi-square and t-tests, were used to present the findings. RESULTS: Antenatal parental education was most commonly offered in small parental groups and the number of hours provided varied between two and ten (mean 5.8) hours. A common and structured program for the sessions was used at 37.3% of the clinics. Normal birth, pain relief, partner role during birth, breastfeeding advantages and breastfeeding initiation were the topics most extensively covered. Topic coverage was in 12 topics, mostly related to the time after birth, lower than midwives' rated importance of the topic: p-values between 0.05 and <0.01. Only 14.2% of the midwives often provided guidance to websites. Although midwives enjoyed working with antenatal parental education, they expressed lack of organizational support and lack of personal skills in group leadership and teaching. Years of experience did not significantly affect their self-rated skills in group leadership or teaching. CONCLUSION: These results contribute to knowledge about contemporary antenatal parental education in Sweden. Our results showed that antenatal parental education is not always in accordance with parents' expectations, especially concerning early parenthood and guidance on the internet. To provide antenatal parental education tailored to the needs of expectant parents it is vital to develop evidence-based guidelines and to address midwives' needs for improved skills in group leadership and teaching.

Perceptions and practices among married women of child bearing age regarding obstetric danger signs in rural Islamabad: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore women's perceptions regarding obstetric danger signs and their practices to deal with them in their cultural context. METHODS: The exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Moorian, Jagiot and Kurri, three rural areas around Islamabad, Pakistan, from June to September, 2016. Data about understanding and practices regarding obstetric danger signs was collected from married women of reproductive age through focus group discussions. Data analysis was done manually using the content analysis approach. RESULTS: There were 85 women with a mean age 32±6.80 years who participated in a total of 12 focus group discussions in batches of 6-8 subjects each. Majority of women 64(75%) were unaware of key obstetric danger signs and symptoms. Traditional practices and several home remedies were commonly used to manage complications in pregnancy before seeking medical care, which was only done when the condition became unmanageable at home. However, mostly women 78(92%) preferred hospital for antenatal care services, especially private health facilities, due to perceived better quality of services. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural practices were found to be deep-rooted in rural population.

Adolescent childbearing trends and sub-national variations in Ethiopia: a pooled analysis of data from six surveys.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia houses the second largest population of female adolescents in Africa. Adolescent childbearing can have detrimental effect to the health and wellbeing of women and their offspring. This study examined trends, sub-national variations and determinants of early childbearing (i.e. childbearing before age 20) in Ethiopia. METHODS: Data from the 2000-2011 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys and from the 2014-2016 Performance Monitoring and Accountability surveys were pooled for this analysis. Based on the year the women reached puberty, five different cohorts were reconstructed that date back to the early 1970s. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to estimate the cumulative probability of early childbearing and a Cox proportional hazard regression model to examine the associated factors. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of early childbearing declined by approximately two-fifth in the past four decades, from 57.6 to 35.3%. The occurrence of early childbearing varies substantially by region. In the most recent period, it ranged from 9.6% in Addis Ababa to 59% in Benishangul-Gumuz. Early childbearing risk was reduced by 95% for women who did not marry before the age of 20 years compared to those who married before the age of 18 years. For adolescents who married at the age of 18 and 19 years, early childbearing risk decreased by 60 and 78%, respectively. During the same period, there was a parallel decline in the cumulative probability of early marriage (i.e., before the legal age of 18 years) from 55.3 to 28.7%. Compared with adolescents with no education, those with elementary and secondary or higher education had a 50 and 82% lower risk of early childbearing, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early childbearing declined in Ethiopia, largely driven by a parallel reduction in early marriage. However, a large portion of adolescents are still facing early childbearing, and the situation is more dismal in some regions than others. A further reduction in early childbearing is warranted by enforcing the law on the minimum marriage age and expanding secondary and higher education for females. These efforts should give greater emphasis to regions where early childbearing is markedly high.

A standardized antenatal class reduces the rate of cesarean section in southern Italy: A retrospective cohort study.

Italy, along with Poland and Hungary, has the highest cesarean section rate (35.7%) in Europe. Among Italian regions, Campania has the highest rate of cesarean section (58.4%).We developed a standardized antenatal class to evaluate whether women who attend this class during pregnancy have a lower cesarean section rate. This antenatal class was developed according to the indication of the Italian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. We selected a cohort of women who participated in this antenatal class and a cohort of women who did not participate. We collected information on the mode of delivery, and other characteristics, of these women from certificate of birth assistance form available in 2 hospitals where the women gave birth.Among women who participated in the antenatal class, there were more Italians, the women were more educated, more women were employed and there were more primiparas compared with those who did not participate. Non-participants of antenatal class showed a higher rate of cesarean section than those who participated (56.2% vs 23.1%; relative risk [RR] = 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-3.03; P < .0001), as well as after adjustment for other variables. This difference was stronger in 1 hospital (RR = 2.88; 95% CI 2.13-3.89; P < .0001) than in the other hospital (RR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.36-2.55; P < .0001).Our standardized antenatal class, which was performed in an area with a high rate of cesarean section, significantly reduced this rate, and this was still significant after adjustment for potential confounders.

[Change of care model in natural childbirth: Implementation in La Ribera delivery room]. / Cambio de modelo asistencial en la atención al parto normal: aplicación en el paritorio de La Ribera.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge, wish for inclusion and implementation of normal childbirth care protocols at La Ribera University Hospital, the reason why they are not applied, and to assess the attendance at antepartum training activities. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study. They were carried out 186 surveys by convenience sampling to pregnant women attending fetal well-being control at hospital between 2014 and 2015. They were collected data about knowledge, wish for inclusion, compliance of protocols and reasons for non-compliance, and attendance at antepartum training activities. Percentages and confidence intervals were calculated. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: They were collected percentages of knowledge (77%, CI95%: 75,5-78,5) and wish for inclusion (84,6%, CI95%: 82,5-86,7). Protocol compliance ranged from 6% (nitrous oxide administration) to 91% (skin-to-skin contact). The main reasons for non-compliance were due to circumstances of childbirth process (56,3%, CI95%: 51,1-61,5). Attendance at maternal education classes was 62%, mainly primiparous women (p=0,0001) with medium or high education level (p=0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women have a high knowledge and wish for inclusion of normal childbirth care protocols. Attendance at antepartum training activities could by improved and the main reason for non-attendance is lack of information. Compliance is good enough in most protocols; when they are not applied is due to childbirth circumstances. Remaining tasks include the introduction of additional protocols and to involve pregnant women in decision-making.

Pregnant teenagers' group: contributions to prenatal care. / Grupo de gestantes adolescentes: contribuições para o cuidado no pré-natal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in nurses' care following the implementation of a group of pregnant teenagers in prenatal care based on the expectations and experiences of pregnant teenagers. METHOD: Qualitative and descriptive study conducted from February to November 2013 at a Primary Care Unit in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, through focus groups with 16 adolescents from the group of pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The analysis identified central ideas and units of meanings that formed the categories. RESULTS: The strategy of a group of pregnant teenagers, which provides a space for coexistence and the establishment of ties encourages these individuals to talk about their needs, re-signifying their ties. Educational strategies to promote self-care of pregnant teenagers and care for their babies involve the sharing of experiences, doubts and beliefs. CONCLUSION: Considerations and suggestions of the adolescents contributed to guide nurses' practice and provide a strategic space of care and support for pregnant adolescents in primary care.

Maternal Syphilis: An Independent Risk Factor for Mother to Infant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission.

Syphilis is associated with increased human immunodeficiency virus acquisition and sexual transmission; we examined impact on human immunodeficiency virus mother-to-child transmission among mother-infant pairs enrolled in the India Six-Week Extended-Dose Nevirapine study. Maternal syphilis, diagnosed serologically using Venereal Disease Research Laboratory titer plus Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay, was associated with 2.5-fold greater risk.

Necesidades percibidas por las mujeres respecto a su maternidad. Estudio cualitativo para el rediseño de la educación maternal / Perceived needs of women regarding maternity. Qualitative study to redesign maternal education

OBJETIVO: Explorar las necesidades expresadas por las mujeres a lo largo del proceso de convertirse en madre y sus demandas relacionadas con la educación maternal. DISEÑO: Estudio cualitativo con grupos focales. EMPLAZAMIENTO: Área de salud de Bizkaia, Servicio Vasco de Salud/Osakidetza. PARTICIPANTES: Treinta mujeres seleccionadas de forma consecutiva por matronas de atención primaria de 6 centros de salud diferentes. MÉTODOS: Entre septiembre y noviembre de 2010 se formaron 4 grupos focales estratificados por situación socioeconómica y etapa del proceso (embarazo/puerperio). Para recoger las preocupaciones de las embarazadas, de las puérperas y su opinión sobre la educación maternal se siguió el método de análisis del contenido temático con el apoyo del software ATLAS. ti. RESULTADOS: El foco de preocupación de las mujeres va cambiando con el tiempo. Pasaba de la necesidad de confirmar que 'todo va bien' a necesitar más apoyo emocional y confianza para enfrentarse a sus miedos al parto y al cuidado de los hijos. Necesitaban mayor acompañamiento en el puerperio y menos presión con la lactancia materna. En cuanto a la educación maternal, demandaban un programa de educación perinatal en lugar de solo prenatal, más actualizado, con mayor participación de su pareja, más interactivo y flexible. CONCLUSIÓN: Las mujeres de nuestro entorno perciben necesidades similares a las de los países anglosajones, independientemente de las diferencias culturales. Parece claro la necesidad de rediseñar un programa de educación perinatal extenso, personalizado, dinámico, que empodere a las mujeres para gestionar su propia salud y la de su familia

OBJECTIVES. To assess women's perceptions of their needs during the process of becoming a mother and identify what they want from maternal education. DESIGN: Qualitative study with focus groups. SETTING: Bizkaia health region, Basque Health Service (Osakidetza), Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty one women were recruited consecutively by midwives at six Osakidetza health centres. METHODS: Four sessions were held from September to November 2010 in Bizkaia (Spain), the four groups being stratified by socioeconomic status and stage of the process (pregnancy vs. postnatal period). To collate the information related to the various topics discussed, we used manifest content analysis that was facilitated by use of ATLAS. ti software. RESULTS: The focus of the women worries changes over time. In early pregnancy, women's main concern was for 'everything to go well'. As the pregnancy progressed, they needed more emotional support and wanted to feel confident and be self-reliant to face their fears of the birth and care for their child. They needed greater accompaniment in the puerperium and less pressure concerning breastfeeding. They also wanted an extended programme of perinatal rather than just antenatal education, which was more participatory and flexible and greater participation of their partner. CONCLUSION: Women have the same social and family networks needs, regardless of cultural differences between Anglo-Saxon and Southern European countries. We recommend an perinatal education to empower women to manage their own health and that of their family and link the health system with other networks of personal and social support for women

Conocimiento de la estimulación prenatal en los programas de educación maternal en Atención Primaria por parte de las mujeres gestantes / Pregnant women's knowledge of prenatal stimulation in educational programs for pregnant women in primary care

Objetivo: Estudiar el grado de conocimiento sobre la estimulación prenatal y los beneficios que se obtienen de esta en mujeres embarazadas de dos Centros de Salud de Talavera de la Reina (Toledo). Diseño del estudio: Estudio observacional transversal. Emplazamiento: Centros de Salud urbanos de Talavera de la Reina, Toledo. (C.S. La Solana y C.S. La Algodonera). Participantes: 26 mujeres gestantes (edad media de 30,92 años y 7,23 meses de gestación). Mediciones principales: Mediante muestreo consecutivo se seleccionaron gestantes del programa de preparación al parto que respondieron un cuestionario elaborado 'ad hoc' acerca del conocimiento y beneficios de la estimulación prenatal o intrauterina. También se recogieron variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: El 53,8 % (IC 95 %: 33,3-73,4) de las mujeres gestantes no había escuchado hablar de la estimulación prenatal ni conoce de la importancia de esta. Un 96,2 % (IC 95 %: 80,3-99,9) de las madres gestantes no sabe de la existencia de ningún centro especializado o centro de salud en el que se realice esta práctica. Al 76,9 % (IC 95 %: 56,3-91) de las mujeres gestantes no le han explicado lo que es la estimulación prenatal ni los beneficios, sin embargo el 96,2 % (IC 95 %: 80,3-99,9) de embarazadas cree que la estimulación prenatal ofrece beneficios a su futuro hijo/a. Conclusiones: Existe un alto porcentaje de mujeres que desconoce lo que es la estimulación prenatal, su importancia y los centros donde esta se realiza, así como una falta de información por parte de las matronas sobre la estimulación prenatal y sus beneficios (AU)

Objective: Study the level of knowledge about prenatal stimulation and its benefits of pregnant women in two primary health care centres in Talavera de la Reina (Toledo). Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Location: Primary health care urban centres in Talavera de la Reina, Toledo (CHC La Solana and CHC La Algodonera). Participants: 26 pregnant women with an average age of 30.92. Gestational age was 7.23 months. Main measurements: Consecutive sampling of pregnant women attending the preparation for childbirth program, who answered a questionnaire prepared 'ad hoc' about knowledge and benefits of prenatal or intrauterine stimulation. Socio-demographic variables were also collected. Results: 53.8% (CI 95%: 33.3-73.4) of pregnant women had not heard about prenatal stimulation and do not know its importance. 96.2% (CI 95%: 80.3-99.9) of pregnant mothers do not know any specialized centre or health care centre in which this practice is carried out. 76.9% (CI 95%: 56.3-91) of pregnant women have not been told about prenatal stimulation or its benefits. However, 96.2% (CI 95%: 80.3-99.9) of pregnant women believe that prenatal stimulation offers benefits to their unborn children. Conclusions: There is a high percentage of women who are ignorant of what prenatal stimulation is, its importance and the centres where it is carried out, as well as a lack of explanation of prenatal stimulation and its benefits by midwives (AU)

Inicio y continuidad de la lactancia materna en relación con la asistencia a un programa educativo para madres jóvenes / Beginning and continuity of breastfeeding according to the attendance to a specific intervention for a young mothers

OBJETIVO: Determinar si las gestantes de hasta 22 años de edad que participaron en el programa Mares Joves (Madres Jóvenes [MJ]) y que recibieron una intervención específica para el fomento de la lactancia materna aumentaron la duración de la lactancia materna y la asistencia al programa de educación prenatal (EPN) y posnatal (EPP) con respecto a las que no participaron, así como la relación entre la duración de la LM, la asistencia a EPN y EPP y otras variables socioeconómicas, demográficas, obstétricas y familiares. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio cuasi experimental, con grupo de intervención y grupo control, comparando la duración de la lactancia materna (LM) en función de la participación en el programa de MJ (grupo de intervención) o no (grupo control). Otras variables de estudio: edad, nivel socioeconómico, hijos previos, presencia de pareja afectiva en el momento del parto, apoyo familiar y asistencia a EPN y EPP. Análisis estadístico: descriptivo, mediante porcentajes, medias y desviación estándar. Prueba de la t de Student o ANOVA y el test de la ji al cuadrado (Chi²) como estadística bivariada. Paquete estadístico SPSS, versión 16.0. RESULTADOS: Mujeres participantes: 242 (grupo de intervención: 131; grupo control: 111). Las participantes en el programa MJ lactaron más tiempo que las del grupo control y asistieron con más frecuencia a los grupos específicos de madres jóvenes de preparación para el parto. La asistencia a EPN y EPP se asoció a un incremento significativo de la duración de la LM. Las mujeres de América del Sur son las que más tiempo lactaron, y las españolas las que menos. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en función de la edad, el nivel socioeconómico, los hijos previos, la presencia o no de pareja afectiva o el apoyo familiar. CONCLUSIONES: La participación en el programa MJ y la asistencia a los grupos de EPN y EPP específicos para madres jóvenes se asociaron a un incremento de la duración de la LM

AIM: To determine whether pregnant women up to 22 years who participated in the program Young Mothers (YM), receiving a specific intervention for the promotion of breastfeeding (BR), increased the duration of BR and the attendance at prenatal education program (EPN) and postnatal (EPP) in comparison with the non-attendants, and the relationship between duration of BR and assistance to EPN and EPP, and socio-economic, demographic, obstetric and family variables. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental study, non-randomized, control group, comparing the length of BR depending on the participation or not in the YM program. Other study variables: age, socioeconomic status, previous children, the presence of affective partner at the time of birth, family support, and assistance to EPN and EPP. Statistical analysis: descriptive, using percentages, means and standard deviation. T Student's test or ANOVA and the Chi² and bivariate statistics. SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: 242 female participants (131 intervention group, control group 111). The program participants YM breastfed longer than the control group and attended more frequently to specific groups of young mothers in preparation for the birth. The EPN and EPP support was associated with a significant increase in the duration of breastfeeding. Latin American women are the longest breastfed and Spanish the least. No significant differences in terms of age, socio- economic status, previous children, couple or family support affective found. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the YM program and assistance to specific EPN and EPP groups for young mothers, was associated with an increased duration of BR