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Introduction Low and middle-income countries account for the largest proportion of women’s deaths as a result of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. The sub-Saharan region is the most affected with approximately 70% (202 000) of maternal deaths between 2000 and 2020. These deaths could have been prevented if expectant mothers were prepared for childbirth. Birth preparedness is perceived as a better strategy that helps attain a substantial reduction in maternal mortality. This is achieved by attending early antenatal classes, receiving skilled care during childbirth, and care and support right after birth. The latest survey on antenatal class attendance conducted in South Africa provides an estimated 30.8% of expectant mothers in public healthcare facilities. Methods This study employed a qualitative approach to collect data, as a result, one focus group discussion with five (N=5) participants and two others with six (N=6) participants each (n=6X2=12) and twenty individual interviews were conducted. The study sought to explore and describe the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding the birth preparedness of women in labour at selected hospitals in Durban KwaZulu-Natal. Results Expectant mothers were unprepared for both labour and postnatal care. The unprepared expectant mothers were uncooperative and made the task of midwives difficult to the extent of endangering the life of their expected newborn babies and their own. Factors such as finance, heterogeneity, staff shortage, language barrier, lack of family support, lack of interest, cultural beliefs, and confusion caused by various sources of information were responsible for birth unpreparedness. Conclusion The synergy between expectant mothers and midwives appears to be an important factor in achieving better birth preparedness.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) in pregnancy is a serious health concern that can range from acute pain to chronic pain, and can significantly decrease one's quality of life and physical function, and increase financial impoverishment. However, there is scanty information on the prevalence of LBP among expectant mothers at St. Francis Mission Hospital in Eastern Zambia. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of LBP among expectant mothers attending Antenatal Care services at St. Francis Mission Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted using quantitative methods. The study was conducted among 150 random expectant mothers attending Antenatal Care services at St. Francis Mission Hospital. Data were collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire adapted from the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Using SPSS v27.0, descriptive statistical analysis was done in terms of numerical measures of central tendency and variability. Results: One-hundred and fifty expectant mothers were successfully recruited. One-third of the participants were aged 18-25years; 65% were married; and 50% were self-employed. Seventythree percent were 27-42 weeks pregnant; 86.7% were multiparous while 13.3% were primiparous. Forty percent had gained 5-10kg during pregnancy. Prevalence of LBP was found to be 86.7%. While 50% of the LBP cases started in the second trimester, 53.3% of the participants experienced more severe LBP in the third trimester. Based on the visual analogue scale, 46% of the participants had moderate pain which was intermittent. Functional limitations attributed to LBP were noted in lying, sitting, standing, walking and travelling. Conclusion: Pregnancy-related LBP remains a serious public health problem. Therefore, there is need for healthcare providers to strengthen education programs, routine assessment and timely provision of targeted interventions in managing LBP among expectant mothers for improved quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress during pregnancy can increase physical and mental health risks in parents and offspring. Emotion regulation (ER) may protect against prenatal stress; however, ER is understudied in expectant parents, particularly expectant fathers. This study aimed to evaluate associations between ER strategies (reappraisal, suppression, ratio of suppression-to-reappraisal) and perceived stress among expectant parents, and also test whether expectant mothers and fathers differed in ER strategy use and perceived stress levels. N = 83 expectant parents (62.7% mothers) in the third trimester completed measures assessing perceived stress,reappraisal, and suppression. ANCOVA, hierarchical regression, and multilevel models were used to evaluate associations between ER strategies and perceived stress, and test for sex differences. Controlling for age and education, lower reappraisal and higher suppression were associated with higher perceived stress; in addition, higher suppression-to-reappraisal ratios were associated with greater perceived stress. Mothers and fathers did not differ in perceived stress, reappraisal, or suppression; however, suppression-to-reappraisal ratios significantly differed. Increasing ER skills such as reappraisal while reducing suppression may be beneficial for decreasing stress in expectant parents. Expectant fathers report similar levels of perceived stress to mothers and would benefit from prenatal mental health screening and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Low and middle-income countries account for the largest proportion of women’s deaths as a result of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. The sub-Saharan region is the most affected with approximately 70% (202 000) of maternal deaths between 2000 and 2020. These deaths could have been prevented if expectant mothers were prepared for childbirth. Birth preparedness is perceived as a better strategy that helps attain a substantial reduction in maternal mortality. This is achieved by attending early antenatal classes, receiving skilled care during childbirth, and care and support right after birth. The latest survey on antenatal class attendance conducted in South Africa provides an estimated 30.8% of expectant mothers in public healthcare facilities. Methods Based on the action research method, this study employed a qualitative approach to collect data, as a result, one focus group discussion with five (N=5) participants and two others with six (N=6) participants each (n=6X2=12) and twenty individual interviews were conducted. The study sought to explore and describe the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding the birth preparedness of women in labour at selected Hospitals in Durban KwaZulu-Natal. Results It was found that expectant mothers were unprepared for both labour and postnatal care. The unprepared expectant mothers were uncooperative and made the task of midwives difficult to the extent of endangering the life of their expected newborn and their own. Factors such as finance, heterogeneity, staff shortage, language barrier, lack of family support, lack of interest, cultural beliefs, and confusion caused by various sources of information were responsible for birth unpreparedness. Conclusion Therefore, the synergy between expectant mothers and midwives appears to be an important factor in achieving better birth preparedness.

Background Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions today. However, a growing number of people perceive vaccines as unsafe and unnecessary. Methods We used a mixed method research in which we administered a quantitative survey to men and women of reproductive age, held Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with expectant mothers, and interviewed Key Informants (KI) to understand maternal vaccine hesitancy within a rural setting of Kilifi County, Kenya. Results Of the 104 people surveyed, 70% of the participants were aware of the vaccine that expectant women receive, with 26% stating that they know people in their community who have refused or were hesitant to take maternal vaccination. Reasons for refusals include religion and rumours that have spread in the community that the tetanus toxoid vaccine was a family planning method. Stockout of the vaccine was identified as one of the healthcare factors affecting vaccine uptake. Healthcare workers were the most trusted source for information about maternal vaccines. Conclusion Dissemination of accurate information and continuous engagement with community members can build trust and confidence in maternal vaccines.

Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) and malaria infections pose serious health risks to the general population and may worsen victims' physical and financial well-being. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of HBV and malaria co-infections during LGA among expectant mothers. This study used a cross-sectional, prospective design. Blood samples were collected from both pregnant and non-pregnant women for parasitological and serological examinations in the study area. This was performed to compare the severity of infections between pregnant and non-pregnant women, as pregnant women are more susceptible to infections. The study included 50 women who attended antenatal care at the time of this project and 10 non-pregnant women who came to the hospitals for check-ups. Samples of people aged 18 to 52 years were collected. Age groups of 18-28 and 40-50 years had the greatest 30(50%) and lowest 8(13%) populations of women screened for malaria and hepatitis B co-infection, respectively. The 1st and 3rd trimesters were followed by the 2nd trimester, which had the highest prevalence. Only the second trimester had a 2% prevalence rate of hepatitis B. Farmers were the group most likely to contract malaria (92%). The percentage of government employees who had malaria and hepatitis B was the highest (20%), followed by traders (5%). Ogrute, the seat of the Local Government had a high rate of malaria infection despite having several medical facilities and less farming activities. Olido (25%), followed by Ogrute (14 point 3%), had the highest rate of co-infection with hepatitis B and malaria. The PCV ranges of 25-27(100%) and 28-30(100%) had the highest prevalence of malaria. This study shows how persistent malaria and hepatitis B are also associated with decreased packed cell volume (PCV) in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron and folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is an effective intervention for reducing the incidence of anaemia during pregnancy. The WHO recommends at least 6 months intake of IFA to pregnant women. However, in Ghana some women experience challenges with adhering to IFA supplementation. The main objective of the study was to assess the level of adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and its associated factors among pregnant women in a peri-urban municipality in Northern Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2021 among 400 pregnant women who attended ANC in Sagnarigu municipality in Ghana and were selected through a 3-stage random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, univariate and binary logistic regression statistical tools. Self-reported level of adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation was 84.5%. Knowledge of iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR = 0.08: 021, 0.343) was associated with adherence. Three other factors: time of first antenatal visit (AOR = 0.32: 0.153, 0.649) having history of anaemia [AOR = 2.67: 1.373, 5.201] having side effects of IFA [AOR = 3.70, CI: (1.756, 7.793)], and having knowledge of management of side effects of iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR = 0.08: 021, 0.343) were found to be significantly associated with adherence. Adherence to iron and folic supplementation among the pregnant women was generally frequent. Strategies to increase iron and folic acid supplementation adherence among pregnant women could focus on encouraging pregnant women to have early ANC visits and educating them on how to manage side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: male midwifery is a relatively new phenomenon in Ghana and most expectant mothers still do not recognize their contribution to reproductive healthcare. This study aims to assess the acceptability of male midwifery practice among expectant mothers in Savelugu Municipal Hospital. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 391 mothers were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SAS JMP Pro V16.0. Results: approximately 75.7% of mothers would go to a hospital where male midwives examine and attend to them, and 71.9% accepted to be delivered by a younger male midwife. Also, 70.1% agreed to share their obstetric information with a male midwife, and 43.5% agreed that their religious beliefs allowed them to be delivered by a male midwife. Mothers who had no formal education (aOR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.040-4.788, p=0.039) were more likely to go to a hospital where male midwives examine and attend to them than the others, and mothers who were employed (aOR=3.91, 95% CI: 1.770-8.631, p=0.001) were more likely to accept to be delivered by a male midwife who is younger than them than the others. Conclusion: a significant portion of expectant mothers are open to receiving care and examinations from male midwives, even opting to go to hospitals where male midwives are available for maternal care. This suggests that male midwives can contribute to the health of expectant mothers significantly and should be encouraged to practice their profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In this study, the factors that influence the choice of place of delivery among expectant mothers in both rural and urban settings in the northern part of Ghana were identified and compared using the conceptual framework provided by Thaddeus and Maine. Methods A mixed-method study was used to examine expectant mothers and their responses related to factors that affect their choice of place of delivery through a concurrent triangulation using health professional interviews and a detailed participant survey. The sample consisted of 552 expectant mothers between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Individual interviews were conducted with 8 health professionals. There was also a focus group discussion with randomly selected pregnant women and lactating mothers. Themes were generated through open coding of the interview data, while multiple regression was performed to identify the factors associated with choice of place of delivery. Results Major preference (60.1%) was for home delivery among rural dwellers compared to 20.7% for urban participants. Statistically significant variables affecting the choice of place of delivery among study participants were found to be educational background, the experience of previous deliveries, the attitude of hospital staff toward pregnant women during labor, and frequency of accessing antenatal care. Conclusion Majority of rural women prefer home delivery to facility delivery which is the opposite of the trend observed among urban women. The study’s implications may lead to positive change where stakeholders develop and implement policies to promote health facility delivery for expectant mothers in Ghana.

Low Birth Weight (LBW) is the main cause of the high infant mortality rate, especially in the perinatal period. LBW is extremely susceptible to infection, a very big risk of experiencing problems when the baby grows up to adulthood. This study aimed to determine the association between high-risk expectant mother (mother's age, gestational age, maternal anemia, maternal nutritional status, and family socioeconomic status) with LBW. This research was a quantitative research with an observational analytic approach with a case control study design. The population in this study were all mothers who gave birth to babies in the working area of Somba Opu Health Center in 2020-2021. The sample in this study were 64 expectant mothers consisting of 32 cases and 32 controls taken by using a purposive sampling technique with the inclusion criteria of expectant mothers domiciled in Somba Opu sub-district having completed examination records. The association analysis used Chi Square test with 95% confidence interval. The results showed that there was a significant association between maternal anemia with LBW (p=0,003, OR=7) and there is no association between maternal age (p=0,305, OR=1,9), gestational distance (p=0,426, OR=2,8), maternal nutritional status (p=0,197, OR=2,3), and socioeconomic status of the family (p=0,238, OR=2,5) with LBW in the working area of Somba Opu Health Center, Gowa Regency in 2021. The researcher recommends that the expectant mothers routinely perform ANC in order to increase early detection of high-risk expectant mothers, and increase maternal nutritional intake by consuming balanced nutrition, taking Fe tablets, doing PMT for expectant mothers which can increase maternal Hb levels.

To describe expectant mothers' experiences of fear of childbirth after a previous traumatic birth. Qualitative, individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight expectant mothers between September and November 2020. Data were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. We identified four interconnected constituents: Suboptimal midwifery care, loss of control and agency; insufficient time and capacity to process a traumatic birth experience; "The baby has to be delivered!", and finally, the path to a new childbirth with the hope of mastering fears. Findings reveal an association between a previous history of traumatic birth and a fear of childbirth in expectant mothers. The trauma they experienced whilst giving birth strongly impacted their subsequent pregnancy, making it difficult for them to deal with the new pregnancy and impending birth. Women who have experienced a traumatic birth need to have the opportunity to process the trauma. Routines must therefore be developed that identify, support and follow up with the women. If these women are identified and given the help they need, this may help prevent and/or alleviate fear of childbirth in their subsequent pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has exponentially spread across the globe and formed one of the greatest health threats in history. Pregnant women are vulnerable, and their vulnerability is amplified by the associated containment measures of the pandemic. In this study, we aim to explore and describe expectant mothers' experiences during the lockdown of COVID-19. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Eighteen pregnant and postpartum women were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured phone call interviews were conducted by a female researcher. Braun and Clarke's thematic data analysis was followed. Three main themes are developed: (1) Living with fears and uncertainties amid the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) Lockdown disrupting the normalcy of pregnancy, (3) Trying to control the chaos of life. Five subthemes underlined the three themes. Findings portrayed expectant mothers' uncertainties, fears, and the fragility of the healthcare systems in responding to mothers' needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic has resulted in disruption of the normalcy of pregnancy, mothers sought adaptive means to protect themselves and maintain control. Governmental authorities and healthcare providers are directly responsible to maintain considerate perinatal care services for expectant mothers during lockdown and crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, the factors that influence the choice of place of delivery among expectant mothers in both rural and urban settings in the northern part of Ghana were identified and compared using the conceptual framework provided by Thaddeus and Maine.Methods: A mixed-method study was used to examine expectant mothers and their responses related to factors that affect their choice of place of delivery through a concurrent triangulation using health professional interviews and a detailed participant survey. The sample consisted of 552 expectant mothers between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Individual interviews were conducted with 8 health professionals. There was also a focus group discussion with randomly selected pregnant women and lactating mothers. Themes were generated through open coding of the interview data, while multiple regression was performed to identify the factors associated with choice of place of delivery.Results: Major preference (60.1%) was for home delivery among rural dwellers compared to 20.7% for urban participants. Statistically significant variables affecting the choice of place of delivery among study participants were found to be educational background, the experience of previous deliveries, the attitude of hospital staff toward pregnant women during labor, and frequency of accessing antenatal care.Conclusion: Majority of rural women prefer home delivery to facility delivery which is the opposite of the trend observed among urban women. The study's implications may lead to positive change where stakeholders develop and implement policies to promote health facility delivery for expectant mothers in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To describe expectant mothers’ experiences of fear of childbirth after a previous traumatic birth. Method Qualitative, individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight expectant mothers between September and November 2020. Data were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results We identified four interconnected constituents: Suboptimal midwifery care, loss of control and agency; insufficient time and capacity to process a traumatic birth experience; “The baby has to be delivered!”, and finally, the path to a new childbirth with the hope of mastering fears. Conclusion Findings reveal an association between a previous history of traumatic birth and a fear of childbirth in expectant mothers. The trauma they experienced whilst giving birth strongly impacted their subsequent pregnancy, making it difficult for them to deal with the new pregnancy and impending birth. Women who have experienced a traumatic birth need to have the opportunity to process the trauma. Routines must therefore be developed that identify, support and follow up with the women. If these women are identified and given the help they need, this may help prevent and/or alleviate fear of childbirth in their subsequent pregnancy.

Purpose The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has exponentially spread across the globe and formed one of the greatest health threats in history. Pregnant women are vulnerable, and their vulnerability is amplified by the associated containment measures of the pandemic. In this study, we aim to explore and describe expectant mothers’ experiences during the lockdown of COVID-19. Method A qualitative descriptive design was used. Eighteen pregnant and postpartum women were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured phone call interviews were conducted by a female researcher. Braun and Clarke’s thematic data analysis was followed. Results Three main themes are developed: (1) Living with fears and uncertainties amid the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) Lockdown disrupting the normalcy of pregnancy, (3) Trying to control the chaos of life. Five subthemes underlined the three themes. Conclusion Findings portrayed expectant mothers’ uncertainties, fears, and the fragility of the healthcare systems in responding to mothers’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic has resulted in disruption of the normalcy of pregnancy, mothers sought adaptive means to protect themselves and maintain control. Governmental authorities and healthcare providers are directly responsible to maintain considerate perinatal care services for expectant mothers during lockdown and crises.

Objective: Describe the needs and nursing diagnosis of expectant mothers with depression. Materials and method: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study. The convenience non-probabilistic sampling was made with 55 expectant mothers, hospitalized between Janu-ary 2013 and December 2018. The information was collected through the application of two questionnaires: the first was built considering the objectives and the operationalization of the variables related to the demographic, obstetrics, and psychiatric information; the second one with the care needs, taken from the M. Gordon’s assessment guideline and symptomatology rom DSM-5. Absolute and relative frequencies were extracted from the qualitative variables, median and IQR for age. Results: The most frequent nursing diagnoses were the following: deterioration of mood regulation 67.3%; suicide risk 56.4%; hopelessness 52.7%; acute pain 50.9%; insomnia 50.9%. The most frequent care needs were: mood swings 67.3%; suicidal behavior 56.4%; negative perspective of one-self and the future 52.7%; pain 50.9%. Conclu-sions: According to alteration patterns, care needs and the diagnoses, the mental component was the most affected health component for these women; it was found that the patients have a high tendency of drug consumption, unwillingness to take the psychiatric treatment and more attitudes related to: suicidal behavior, hopelessness, a negative perspective of the fu-ture, and pain, showing that depression is highly present in expectant mothers

The placenta has been used in different facets of medicine however some low-income countries are yet to apply these uses for different reasons. A cross-sectional study of 150 expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic was conducted to determine the willingness to donate the placenta. Analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 with a level of significance set at P ≤.05. The mean age of the participants was 32.3 (SD±5.0) years. Almost all (98.7%) were married while 89.3% had tertiary-level education. The majority (82.7%) knew there was no connection between the placenta and baby after delivery; however, only 12.0% knew about placenta donation and 10.0% were willing to donate the placenta at delivery. About three quarters (74.0%) were unwilling to promote the donation of the placenta, most (55.0%) believed that the placenta was used for rituals, while some (19.0%) thought placenta donation would affect the child's future. Participants' occupation, 'knowledge about placenta donation and its uses' and willingness to promote donation were all significantly associated with their willingness to donate (P <.05). Willingness to donate the placenta at delivery was low in this study. Participants' occupation and their knowledge were some factors influencing willingness to donate the placenta for medical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although dental caries levels have declined and stabilized the world over, the problem of early childhood caries has remained persistent in many areas of the world affecting certain segments of society, especially the socially deprived, who remain at high risk to this disease. Parents have an essential role in mediating between their children and environment for which prenatal period is the best time for health interventions. This mediation is done through preventive services they provide to their children such as dietary habits supervision, oral hygiene performance, and other practices that can be enhanced by prenatal dental health education. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate, by means of a questionnaire, the expectant mother’s knowledge and attitude toward dental health and to test the effectiveness of the health education tool. Materials and Methods: The baseline questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, which was distributed to 138 participants. Subsequently, provision for dental health education was made in batches of 20. After 3 weeks, 10 questions were randomly selected from the first questionnaire for reassessment session. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean overall knowledge improved from 67.4% to 97.32% and attitude improved from 75.83% to 99.22%. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude of mothers was found to increase on provision of dental health education, which were retained even after a period of 3 weeks.

Vaccine hesitancy, defined as delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccinations services, constrains control of vaccine-preventable diseases. This study determined the prevalence and correlates of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women attending a university teaching hospital in Enugu metropolis, South-east Nigeria using cross-sectional survey and parent attitudes about childhood vaccines (PACV) questionnaire. We dichotomised the 256 expectant mother participants into hesitant and non-hesitant categories using median PACV and sub-scale scores. Overall, 31.6% of participants were hesitant. About 17.6%, 14.8%, and 30.9% of mothers were hesitant due to their vaccination behaviour, beliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy, and general attitudes and trust of service providers, respectively. Mothers aged less than 30 years were three times more likely to be vaccine hesitant than older ones. Public health practitioners should target young, expectant mothers by developing and conducting vaccine hesitancy screening, focused health education, and information campaigns. The prevalence of childhood vaccine hesitancy among expectant mothers is high. Younger expectant mothers are more likely to be vaccine hesitant than older ones. Involvement of maternal health service workers to provide vaccine literacy and to support expectant mothers to make informed decision about childhood vaccination might be helpful in reducing vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Death Is One Of The Momentous Issues In Life. Death Anxiety Is A Growing Issue Among Expectant Mothers With Major Health Implication On Both Mother And The Foetus And Several Factors May Be Behind It. This Paper Examines Death Anxiety Among Expectant Mothers: The Role Of Perceived Social Support And Personality Traits. This Study Was Conducted Among 205 Pregnant Women Who Come To Antenatal In Three Major Hospitals In Anambra State Using Purposive Technique They Are: Regina Caeli Hospital Awka, St Joseph Hospital Adazi, And Visitation Hospital Umuchu. Participant Completed Type A Behavior Scale (Tabs), The Multidimensional Scale Of Perceived Social Support (Mspss) And Death Anxiety Scale (Das). The Result Of The Findings Reveals That Perceived Social Supports Will Not Predicts Death Anxiety Among Expectants Mothers And That Personality Type Will Not Predict Death Anxiety Among Expectant Mothers. The Implication Of The Study Is That Implication Of This Study Is That Whereas Personality Type A Or B Did Not Show Relationship With Death Anxiety Among Expectant Mothers In The Research, Perceived Social Support Did; This Shows That Enhanced Social Support Predisposes Expectant Mothers To Less Feeling Of Death Anxiety Implying Greater General Health For Both The Mother And The Foetus. It Is Recommended Therefore, That Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers And Family Therapists Should Promote Social Support Education Among Couples, In Families And Society At Large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality among expectant mothers. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 451 pregnant women from two urban health clinics in Bangi, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Sleep quality was assessed by self-administered Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire that has been translated to Malay language and validated. Results: Poor sleep quality was found in 56.3% of the respondent (mean PSQI score = 6.41 (SD 2.85), ranging from 0 - 18). Three out of seven sleep components were affected with sleep disturbance being the most affected followed by sleep latency and subjective sleep quality. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was prevalent among our expectant mothers. It portrays that healthcare practitioners should not disregard any complaints pertaining to sleep problem and sleep hygiene advice should be incorporated in the antenatal care to improve their sleep quality in order to prevent any adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The birth of a child is a critical and potentially stressful experience for women, entailing several changes both at the individual and interpersonal level. This event can lead to different forms of distress, ranging in intensity and duration. Many studies highlighted medical, psychological, and social variables as risk factors potentially influencing the onset or aggravation of perinatal maternal conditions. The current pandemic emergency and the restrictive measures adopted by local governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection may negatively affect mothers-to-be and new mothers potentially increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depressive or post-traumatic symptoms to develop. Moreover, the forced quarantine combined with the limited access to professional or family support may increase feelings of fatigue and isolation. The present study aims to investigate women’s psychological well-being during pregnancy and in the first months after childbirth, integrating the evaluation of some traditionally studied variables with the specificities of the current situation. 575 Italian women have been administered an online self-report questionnaire assessing the presence of anxiety disorders, depressive and post-traumatic symptoms as well as the expectations toward childbirth (for mothers-to-be) or the subjective experience of childbirth (for postpartum women). Findings revealed a higher percentage of women than that reported in the literature scored above the clinical cut-off both during pregnancy and postpartum on a series of measures of psychological well-being, thus demonstrating that this period was perceived as particularly challenging and stressful and had significant impact on the women’s well-being. Moreover, some socio-demographic, medical, and pandemic-related variables, especially the lack of presence and support from one’s partner during labor and delivery as well as in the first days postpartum was found to predict women’s mental health. These findings suggest the need for developing specific interventions targeted at women who cannot benefit from the support of their partners or family.

Introduction: Breast milk is the optimal source of nourishment for babies up until the age of 6 months. Promotion of breastfeeding reflects public health policies, however an insufficient number of expectant mothers are aware of official the recommendations and the significance of breastfeeding. Socio-demographic characteristics of expectant mothers such as age, education and income, can modify attitudes towards breastfeeding. Positive attitudes of expectant mothers towards starting and continuing to breastfeed are an important component of proper child growth and development. Goal: The main goal of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of expectant mothers about breastfeeding, and establishing if there is a difference in attitudes of expectant mothers in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics. Material and methods: Research was conducted as a cross section study by conducting a survey of 107 expectant mothers that have attended the School for expectant mothers at the community health centre in Novi Sad. The survey consisted of socio-demographic questions and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, IFFAS. Data processing included methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. Program pack SPSS (version 21) was used. Values of p

The birth of a child is a critical and potentially stressful experience for women, entailing several changes both at the individual and interpersonal level. This event can lead to different forms of distress, ranging in intensity and duration. Many studies highlighted medical, psychological, and social variables as risk factors potentially influencing the onset or aggravation of perinatal maternal conditions. The current pandemic emergency and the restrictive measures adopted by local governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection may negatively affect mothers-to-be and new mothers potentially increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depressive or post-traumatic symptoms to develop. Moreover, the forced quarantine combined with the limited access to professional or family support may increase feelings of fatigue and isolation. The present study aims to investigate women's psychological well-being during pregnancy and in the first months after childbirth, integrating the evaluation of some traditionally studied variables with the specificities of the current situation. 575 Italian women have been administered an online self-report questionnaire assessing the presence of anxiety disorders, depressive and post-traumatic symptoms as well as the expectations toward childbirth (for mothers-to-be) or the subjective experience of childbirth (for postpartum women). Findings revealed a higher percentage of women than that reported in the literature scored above the clinical cut-off both during pregnancy and postpartum on a series of measures of psychological well-being, thus demonstrating that this period was perceived as particularly challenging and stressful and had significant impact on the women's well-being. Moreover, some socio-demographic, medical, and pandemic-related variables, especially the lack of presence and support from one's partner during labor and delivery as well as in the first days postpartum was found to predict women's mental health. These findings suggest the need for developing specific interventions targeted at women who cannot benefit from the support of their partners or family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana implemented the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005 and introduced free maternal healthcare (FMH) into the scheme in 2008. These reforms aimed at improving the utilization of healthcare, especially for expectant mothers. Using data from the 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS) with a sample of 8,081, this study employed multivariate probit and conditional mixed process (CMP) estimators to analyze the NHIS enrolment and the use of facility‐based delivery services among expectant mothers within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Ghana. The influence of birth order on these policies has also been explored. Before and after analysis was used for the effect of the FMH on NHIS enrolment and the use of delivery services while CMP was used for the effect of NHIS on delivery services. It is concluded that higher birth order reduces the likelihood of NHIS enrolment and health facility delivery. Moreover, the FMH policy has improved both NHIS enrolment and facility‐based delivery. Finally, the NHIS policy proves to be a reliable factor to induce utilization of facility‐based delivery services. It is recommended that maternal health education at antenatal care visits should be enriched with potential consequences and complications associated with multiple births. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) should provide registration desks for expectant mothers at health facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Education and motivation of expectant mothers towards infant oral health care is of crucial value to prepare them on how to care for their child at the earliest. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of an audio-visual aid in upgrading the knowledge and awareness towards infant oral health care among expectant mothers. Materials and Methods A 15 minute PowerPoint Presentation on infant oral health care was presented to 120 expectant mothers. The participants were made to fill a 15-point questionnaire on the same subject before and after the presentation and the data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results There was a very high statistical difference (p=0.000) between the mean scores of the participants before and after the presentation, from 5.5 to 13.9 out of a maximum score of 15. The range of scores improved from 0-14 prepresentation to 9-15 post-presentation. A high number of participants (85.8%) agreed that the presentation would change how they care for their child in the future. Summary and Conclusion Audio-visual aids are beneficial in improving the awareness towards infant oral health care among expectant mothers. Further researches can be conducted to evaluate their long-term efficacy for different sociodemographic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Viral Hepatitis B is of a major public health concern globally, especially in developing countries. Expectant mothers’ knowledge of Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT) of the disease is significant in preventing the spread from an infected mother to her child. This study sought to assess the expectant mothers’ knowledge of Mother-To-Child Transmission of viral hepatitis B in the Wa Municipality and Lawra District of Upper West Region, Ghana. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study with a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select a total of 450 study respondents (expectant mothers), and a semi-structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Respondents were interviewed using face-to-face interview technique. Results Majority (54.0%) of the respondents were aged between 25 and 35 years and the results were similar in both districts. Overall, 62.4% (281/450) of the respondents had at least Junior High level education, and 76.2% (343/450) were multigravida. Educational levels among respondents in the two areas were above 50.0% and considered relatively high. Respondents’ general knowledge of hepatitis B infection and disease was 46.0% (208/450). However, there was a slight difference between the two districts (40.1% in Lawra District and 51.6% in Wa Municipality). The overall knowledge level on MTCT of viral hepatitis B among the respondents was 34.7% (156/450): the Wa Municipality recorded higher knowledge (43.3%) compared to 24.8% in Lawra District. Conclusion The knowledge level of the expectant mothers on MTCT of viral hepatitis B is relatively low in Upper West Region, Ghana. Majority of the respondents had some form of formal education. The age, marital status, education, occupation, gravity and family setup were found to be associated with knowledge of Hepatitis B infection and MTCT. Thus, there is urgent need to intensify efforts of health staff to educate expectant mothers. In addition, home education and outreach activities should be intensified on HBV infection as well as MTCT. Consequently, planning, implementation and execution of preventive activities, especially in the antenatal clinics should critically consider the social and demographic variations of mothers.

Birth, the first important transition period of human beings, has been considered as a joyful process with its functions as the continuity of life, continuity of the lineage and the reinforcement of marriage; and the celebrations and ceremonies carried out in this process emerge, develop, change and get updated in accordance with the expectations and values of the culture in question. In the traditional social life in Turkey, it is a common practice to make preparations before the birth for the basic needs of the expectant mother and the baby. On the other hand, there are "baby preparation parties" or "baby celebration parties" which are increasingly spreading and even becoming a serious sector and are called as "baby showers" in urban society. In other countries, especially in the US, the main purpose of these parties organized by one or a few close friends of the expectant mother is the provision of the needs determined by the mother for herself and her baby by her friends. The celebrations which are mostly organized among women have important functions in terms of providing moral support to the expectant mother, entertainment, discussions and relief and improving the feelings of solidarity, cooperation and belonging. We believe that the reason why it is quickly adopted and became widespread in Turkish society is its partial similarity to the material and moral support given to the expectant mother during this preparation process for birth in the traditional social life. This article examines the baby showers in terms of their content, organization styles, location and times, participants and organizers; and provides an analysis and commentary on their individual and social function. It is found out that the celebrations extended the mentioned function of female relatives and close friends who support the expectant mother financially and morally in the traditional social life from their neighborhoods beyond the borders of the cities and even the countries. In terms of their structural and functional properties, these parties are found to reveal great similarity to traditional gold collection days rather than the baby showers abroad. While making examinations and evaluations on the baby showers, the data extracted from verbal resources and various internet websites have been used as the basis. The study also searches for an answer to the question of how urban life affected traditional preparations and practices for birth. As a result of the examinations and evaluations carried out in this study, it is concluded that the environment and circumstances where the needs of the mother and the baby are provided are changing, yet the function continues through the context.

Objective: The study explores predictors of antenatal caregiving representations among mothers with a history of severe mental illness (SMI). Background: Attachment research has demonstrated that multifactorial assessment of antenatal caregiving representations predicts later maternal behaviour and child attachment. However, the field lacks research among clinical groups. Knowledge of factors influencing caregiving representations during pregnancy can contribute to our understanding of caregiving risk among SMI-mothers and inform intervention decisions. Method: The current study is a cross-sectional subsample of the WARM study. Participants were 65 Danish or Scottish pregnant women with a history of either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, moderate–severe depression, or non-clinical controls. Caregiving representations, adverse childhood experiences, social support and current symptom severity were assessed during pregnancy. Results: Symptom severity was associated with more non-optimal caregiving representations expecting less parental enjoyment, more difficulties separating from the child, and more feelings of caregiving helplessness. Lack of social support and adverse childhood experiences served as independent predictors of caregiving representations. Parental mental illness during own childhood predicted role reversed expectations. Conclusion: Antenatal caregiving representations can be assessed with a time-efficient self-report measure that assesses caregiving as a multidimensional construct. Prenatal treatment planning should target individual difficulties in undertaking transformation of the caregiving system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Although dental caries levels have declined and stabilized the world over, the problem of early childhood caries has remained persistent in many areas of the world affecting certain segments of society, especially the socially deprived, who remain at high risk to this disease. Parents have an essential role in mediating between their children and environment for which prenatal period is the best time for health interventions. This mediation is done through preventive services they provide to their children such as dietary habits supervision, oral hygiene performance, and other practices that can be enhanced by prenatal dental health education. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate, by means of a questionnaire, the expectant mother's knowledge and attitude toward dental health and to test the effectiveness of the health education tool. Materials and Methods: The baseline questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, which was distributed to 138 participants. Subsequently, provision for dental health education was made in batches of 20. After 3 weeks, 10 questions were randomly selected from the first questionnaire for reassessment session. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean overall knowledge improved from 67.4% to 97.32% and attitude improved from 75.83% to 99.22%. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude of mothers was found to increase on provision of dental health education, which were retained even after a period of 3 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For health and well-being, oral health is an integral component. Unfortunately, many children are afflicted with dental caries at an early age, even those as young as 12 months. By imparting knowledge, awareness among parents about this disease can bring about reduction of early childhood caries (ECC) at an early stage. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitude of expectant mothers about ECC and to reassess the level of knowledge after giving anticipatory guidance. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions which were distributed to 100 participants after which anticipatory guidance was given to them. After 15 days, the same questionnaire was distributed among the participants with order of the questions interchanged. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude about the disease after giving the anticipatory guidance among the participants. P < 0.01 and the result were statistically significant. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude of mothers were found to increase on provision of anticipatory guidance, which was retained even after 15 days.

Introduction: Stem cells are clonogenic cells capable of both self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. Stem cells have been isolated from various tissues, including umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, neural tissue, skin, retina, and dental pulp tissue. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and awareness about stem cells and dental stem cells among expectant mothers and parents of elementary school children in Bareilly and Delhi cities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which a close-ended questionnaire proforma was given to a sample of 1009 subjects who are parents of elementary school children and expectant mothers from Bareilly and Delhi cities. After 1-week, the filled questionnaire proforma was collected back from the school children and expectant mothers. The results were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Out of a sample of 1009 subjects, 809 were from Bareilly (401 expectant mothers and 408 parents of elementary school children) and remaining 200 from Delhi (104 were expectant mothers and 96 parents of elementary school children). The awareness about stem cells was 25% from Delhi and 18% from Bareilly and this difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The awareness regarding stem cells and dental stem cells was generally poor among the parents of elementary school children and the expectant mothers. It is time to develop and cater programs to improve the awareness related to stem cells as stem cell therapy is said to have immense potential.

Background: Homebirths have far-reaching consequences for the expectant mother and her baby as most of these are assisted by unskilled birth attendants. Reducing homebirths could lead to improved maternal and infant health. Aims: To determine factors influencing expectant women to have a homebirth. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A pre-tested, semi structured interview schedule was used to assess factors influencing homebirths among 80 expectant mothers attending an antenatal clinic. Findings: Overall, 60% of the respondents had their previous babies at home. Most (92%) of the respondents said that they would give birth to their next child at a health facility, and the majority (68%) preferred to have a female skilled birth attendant. Some 52% of the respondents had low levels of knowledge on the complications of labour and delivery. The study found that homebirths were significantly associated with the educational level of the woman and distance to the health facility. Conclusions: The majority of the expectant mothers had given birth at home before but had low knowledge on complications of homebirths. There is need to intensify community sensitisation on the dangers of homebirth to prevent maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antenatal Care (ANC) is the care before birth that include complete screening, treatment, promoting and monitoring of the safety of the mother and fetus. Objectives: Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of expectant mothers in relation to antenatal care in Abha. Methods: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire based study conducted in Abha City from August to October 2017among 300 expectant women from different parts of Abha city. Results: Most of the subjects had appropriate knowledge about the importance of ANC visits which resulted in good attitude and practice pattern among the majority of them. The majority of included women had good knowledge about the importance of ANC visits for supplementing women with vitamins and folic acid, giving them information about breast feeding and postpartum care, correct signs of labor, its importance for maintain women and child health, importance of ANC visits for the fetal developmental stages, decreasing the rates of maternal mortality, providing adequate knowledge about the danger symptoms and the complications of pregnancy and the importance of booking, following up and delivering later in the same place that they booked in. Conclusion: Most of the women had good knowledge, attitude and practice toward ANC visits. The majority of the subjects were highly educated thus further large population studies are needed to be conducted all over KSA cities and include rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]