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Women experience the pain of labor differently, with many factors contributing to their overall perception of pain. The neuromatrix theory of pain provides a framework that may explain why selected nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief can be quite effective for the relief of pain for the laboring woman. The concept of a pain 'neuromatrix' suggests that perception of pain is simultaneously modulated by multiple influences. The theory was developed by Ronald Melzack and represents an expansion beyond his original 'gate theory' of pain, first proposed in 1965 with P. D. Wall. This article reviews several nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief with implications for the practicing clinician. Providing adequate pain relief during labor and birth is an important component of caring for women during labor and birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the risks of poor pregnancy outcomes. Yet, reluctance to vaccinate remains high in pregnant populations. In this paper, we take a precision health and patient-centered approach to vaccine hesitancy. We adopted the society-to-cells vaccine hesitancy framework to identify society, community, family, individual, and physiologic factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in pregnancy. Nurses are particularly well-suited to impact the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Because of their proximity to the patient, nurses are positioned to provide individualized, timely health information, and clinical guidelines to assist patients with decision-making related to vaccinations. Recommendations are provided to bolster nurses' engagement in precision health and patient-centered models of care to mitigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in pregnancy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternity mortality in the United States. The Code Crimson project aimed to enhance PPH management by implementing a standardized intervention bundle to mitigate morbidity and mortality associated with PPH., Local Problem: At a large Philadelphia tertiary hospital, health disparities existed for severe maternal morbidity and mortality, and PPH was a significant factor., Methods: A quality improvement design, using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and interrupted time series analysis, was undertaken., Interventions: The Code Crimson project implemented a standardized bundle to manage PPH, including blood product administration and massive transfusion protocol activation., Results: After implementing the Code Crimson bundle, there was a significant decrease in blood product use ( P < .001), with minor reductions in packed red blood cell administration over 4 units and mean blood loss., Conclusions: The Code Crimson bundle effectively reduced blood product utilization for PPH treatment., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: From 2013 to 2019, Black women comprised 73% of pregnancy-related deaths in Philadelphia. There is currently a dearth of research on the continuity of midwifery care from initiation of prenatal care through birth in relation to characteristics such as race/ethnicity and income. The aim of this study was to investigate whether race/ethnicity and insurance status were associated with the likelihood of a pregnant person who begins prenatal care with a midwife to remain in midwifery care for birth attendance., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of a diverse population of pregnant patients who gave birth in a large tertiary care hospital and had their first prenatal visit with a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) between June 2, 2009, and June 30, 2020 (n = 5121). We used multivariable, log-binomial regression models to calculate risk ratios of transferring to physician care (vs remaining within CNM care), adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, prepregnancy body mass index, insurance type, and comorbidities., Results: After adjusting for pregnancy-related risk factors, non-Hispanic Black patients (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24) and publicly insured patients (aRR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22) were at higher risk of being transferred to physician care compared with non-Hispanic White and privately insured patients. Secondary analysis revealed that non-Hispanic Black patients had higher risk of transferring and having an operative birth (aRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.18-1.55), whereas publicly insured patients were at higher risk of being transferred for reasons other than operative births (aRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.18-1.54)., Discussion: These findings indicate that Black and publicly insured patients were more likely than White and privately insured patients to transfer to physician care even after adjustment for comorbid conditions. Thus, further research is needed to identify the factors that contribute to racial and economic disparity in continuity of midwifery care., (© 2024 by the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.)

Aim: To facilitate an understanding of the risk for psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses., Design: Concept analysis., Methods: The Walker and Avant method of concept analysis was applied to 56 articles. The characteristics, antecedents, and consequences of psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses were identified., Data Sources: Peer-reviewed articles in English from CINAHL, PubMed and Google Scholar were reviewed on July 2023., Results: The characteristics of psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses are overwhelming distress, intrusive symptoms, avoidance and numbing behaviours, hypervigilance or hyperarousal, emotional dysregulation, cognitive distortions, and interpersonal challenges. The antecedents are exposure to one or more of the following nurse-specific traumas: natural or person-made disasters, historical role limitations, second victim situations, secondary trauma, system-mediated or over-medicalized care, insufficient resources, or workplace incivility. The consequences are disruptions in mental health, diminished physical health, alterations in relationships, and variable work performance., Conclusion: Labour and delivery nurses experience unique causes of psychological trauma due to their practice environment and patient population. The consequences of labour and delivery nurses' psychological trauma extend beyond individual health and impact the quality of patient care and organizational capacity., Implications for the Profession And/or Patient Care: Furthermore, research is needed to inform education, support and policy measures to mitigate harm effectively. WHAT PROBLEM DID THE STUDY ADDRESS?: Nurse-specific trauma theory has not been applied to the unique labour and delivery environment with a high incidence of patient trauma. WHAT WERE THE MAIN FINDINGS?: Multiple causes of trauma in the perinatal context have created a pervasive yet largely preventable issue. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: This research will impact labour and delivery nurses, their leadership, and their patients., Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of maternal physiological and psychological factors during pregnancy and after birth on infant and children's sleep outcomes., Methods: Six databases were searched from inception to April 2021. Longitudinal studies that investigated the association of risk factors during and after pregnancy and children's sleep-related outcomes were included. Hedge's g and odds ratio were pooled as effect size with random effects model., Results: A total of 32 articles were included. Both prenatal maternal alcohol use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-3.28) and tobacco smoking (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.62) were associated with shorter child sleep duration. Prenatal and postnatal maternal depression symptoms were associated with increased child sleep problems at age 6 months (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.19-3.24, and 2.05, 95% CI: 1.37-3.07, respectively). Prenatal and postnatal maternal major depression disorders were associated with shorter sleep duration (Hedge's g = -0.97, 95% CI: -1.57 to -0.37) and lower sleep efficiency (Hedge's g = -1.44, 95% CI: -1.93 to -0.95). Prenatal anxiety had no impact on child sleep problems (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.86-2.10)., Conclusion: Maternal pregnancy and obstetric factors and psychological factors are potential risk factors of poor child sleep health. Future research is warranted to better understand the impact of these risk factors on long-term child sleep outcomes and their potential mediating mechanisms., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: There is an urgent need to establish an evidence base for recommendations regarding proportions of macronutrients for optimized nutritional management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our study compared isocaloric diets in women with GDM that differed in protein and carbohydrate content with fats held constant. We hypothesized that the glucose area under the curve (AUC) would be lower with the higher protein/lower carbohydrate diet., Research Design and Methods: This study used a random order crossover design within a controlled research unit environment. Nineteen women were randomized to treatment, with 12 participants completing both arms of the study. Blood sampling occurred preprandially and at t  = 30, 60, 120, and 180" relative to meals. Inclusion criteria were confirmed diet-controlled GDMA1, singleton gestation, and with no pre-existing medical comorbidities. Mean gestational age at entrance to study = 32 (±1.76) weeks. Mean prepregnant body mass index of participants = 28.7 (±5.3) kg/m 2 Participants were randomly assigned initially to either an increased protein/low carbohydrate (iPRO30%/CHO35%) diet or a lower protein/higher carbohydrate (LPRO15%/CHO50%) diet for a 36 hour inpatient stay on the research unit. All meals and snacks were prepared in a metabolic kitchen. After a 3-7 day washout period, participants were randomized to the opposite treatment., Results: On day 2 (with confirmed overnight fasting), the average 3-hour pre- through postprandial glucose AUC was lower in iPRO30%/CHO35% treatment arm (17395.20 ± 2493.47 vs. 19172.47 ± 3484.31, p  = 0.01)., Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that a higher protein, lower carbohydrate meal, especially at breakfast, can result in lower postprandial blood glucose values in women with gestational diabetes. A lack of statistically significant differences at other collection time points could have been due to several factors, but most likely due to small sample size. Longer term outcomes of a higher protein diet, including maternal glycemic control, nitrogen balance, and impact on fetal growth outcomes, are needed., Competing Interests: No competing financial interests exist., (© Kimberly K. Trout et al., 2022; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.)

Sex workers face many occupation-specific health challenges, including facing stigma in health care settings. There is a lack of both quantitative and qualitative research regarding sex workers in the United States., Methods: Hermeneutic phenomenology and Harding's feminist theory guided the qualitative portion of this mixed-methods study that also included a quantitative health needs assessment. Private interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of sex workers recruited from a drop-in support center for cis- and transgender individuals identifying as women., Results: Issues of homelessness, food insecurity, and personal safety were among the women's top health-related concerns (n=29). Seven themes emerged from qualitative data after transcripts were reviewed, reflected upon, and validated with a focus group at the center. Extraordinary emphasis was given to the theme, "I am a person.", Conclusion: This study helps to illuminate the lived experience and health risks of being a woman-identified sex worker in Philadelphia.

Aims: The study aims to review, synthesize and integrate primary research on the relationship between sleep and hypoglycaemia symptom perception in adults with type-1 diabetes., Design: This mixed-methods review follows a convergent segregated approach to synthesis and integration of qualitative and quantitative evidence., Data Sources: With assistance of a biomedical librarian, a search of four databases was conducted (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO) in June 2020. The review included primary research measuring sleep and hypoglycaemia symptom perception in adults (age ≥ 18 years) with type-1 diabetes in English. Studies that exclusively addressed children, type-2 diabetes or outcomes unrelated to sleep and hypoglycaemia symptom perception were excluded., Review Methods: Screening focused on title and abstract review (n = 624). Studies not excluded after screening (n = 35) underwent full-text review. References of each study selected for inclusion (n = 6) were hand searched with one study added. All studies included in the review (n = 7) were critically appraised with JBI Critical Appraisal tools, and then data were extracted with systematic evaluation., Results: Quantitative synthesis found sleep reduces the magnitude of detectable symptoms and one's capacity to detect them. Qualitative synthesis found that individuals with type-1 diabetes perceive unpredictable severity, frequency and awareness of symptoms while asleep as an oppressive, lingering threat. Integration of findings highlights the troublesome duality of sleep's relationship with hypoglycaemia symptom perception., Conclusions: Sleep presents a challenging time for individuals with type-1 diabetes. Further research examining the relationship between sleep and hypoglycaemia symptom perception is recommended as the number of studies limits this review., Impact: Symptom perception is the main physiologic defense against severe hypoglycaemia in type-1 diabetes. This review found that sleep's relationship with hypoglycaemia symptoms has unique physiological and psychological components to address when providing comprehensive care. This review may inform future lines of inquiry that develop into interventions, improvements in practice and risk reduction for hypoglycaemia-related complications., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Co-producing aspects of nursing and midwifery education is increasingly being used in higher education to try to improve student learning and meet standards set by some professional accreditation bodies. This review aims to identify and synthesise evidence on this pedagogical approach., Design: Systematic review., Data Sources: Searches were conducted in CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, and PubMed., Review Methods: Four bibliographical databases were searched using relevant search terms between 2009 and 2019. Titles, abstracts, and full text papers were screened. Pertinent data were extracted and critical appraisal undertaken. Data were analysed using the framework approach and findings presented in a narrative summary., Results: Twenty-three studies were included. Two overarching themes emerged. The first focused on the impact of co-production on nursing and midwifery students, service users, and carers which had five subthemes; 1) acquiring new knowledge and skills, 2) gaining confidence and awareness, 3) building better relationships, 4) feeling vulnerable, and 5) attaining a sense of pride or enjoyment. The second theme centred on factors affecting how co-production was delivered which had three subthemes; 1) human interactional approach, 2) pedagogic quality, and 3) organisational environment., Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive update of the literature on co-production in nursing and midwifery education. Tentative evidence exists that participatory approaches could improve learning and positively impact on nursing and midwifery students, service users, and carers. Educators should consider adopting co-production and including students, service users, carers, practice staff, and other relevant stakeholders in this pedagogical process. However, more rigorous research examining how effective co-production is in improving learning over traditional methods is warranted given the additional resources required to deliver it., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

With an estimated 9% of persons in the United States diagnosed with diabetes, primary care providers such as midwives and nurse practitioners are increasingly working with persons who have diabetes and are seeking primary care services. This article reviews the current literature with regard to the initial evaluation of individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes, and what is entailed in comprehensive continuing management of care. A person-centered interprofessional approach to care of the person with diabetes is presented. Recommendations are given that address dietary habits, activities of daily living, medication regimens, and potential alternative therapies. Social constructs related to effective care of individuals with diabetes also are addressed. Knowledge of current research that has identified effective care practices for individuals with diabetes is imperative to ensuring their well-being, and promoting a person-centered and interprofessional approach is best for offering optimal care to those diagnosed with diabetes., (© 2019 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.)

The purpose of this study was to examine, through a randomized, controlled trial, the effects of a maternal carbohydrate-restricted diet on maternal and infant outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women diagnosed with GDM were randomly allocated into one of two groups: an intervention group that was placed on a lower-carbohydrate diet (35-40% of total calories) or a control group that was placed on the usual pregnancy diet (50-55% carbohydrate). A convenience sample of participants diagnosed with GDM (ages 18-45 years) was recruited from two different sites: one urban and low-income and the other suburban and more affluent. Individual face-to-face diet instruction occurred with certified diabetes educators at both sites. Participants tested their blood glucose four times daily. Specific socioeconomic status indicators included enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or Medicaid-funded health insurance, as well as cross-sectional census data. All analyses were based on an intention to treat. Although there were no differences found between the lower-carbohydrate and usual-care diets in terms of blood glucose or maternal-infant outcomes, there were significant differences noted between the two sites. There was a lower mean postprandial blood glucose (100.59 ± 7.3 mg/dL) at the suburban site compared to the urban site (116.3 ± 15 mg/dL) (P <0.01), even though there was no difference in carbohydrate intake. There were increased amounts of protein and fat consumed at the suburban site (P <0.01), as well as lower infant complications (P <0.01). Further research is needed to determine whether these disparities in outcomes were the result of macronutrient proportions or environmental conditions.

Following the physiologic challenge of birth, many women will experience pain during the postpartum period. The goal is to achieve the right complement and dosing schedule of medications and nonpharmacologic comfort measures to successfully relieve pain, while at the same time allowing the woman to remain fully awake and aware to care for her newborn. Many of the common modalities used for nonpharmacologic pain relief in particular are based on anecdotal evidence, cultural ritual, or outdated studies. In this article, the most common sources of postpartum pain are reviewed as well as evidence-based pain management strategies, including both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods., (© 2013 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.)

Obesity and diabetes have become pandemic in the United States, with more than one-third of the US population obese and 8.3% of the population affected by diabetes. Efforts to prevent type 2 diabetes focus primarily on healthy eating and physical activity. In particular, women from at-risk racial and ethnic groups and those who have experienced gestational diabetes are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Achieving a healthy weight prior to conception, staying within weight gain guidelines during pregnancy, and losing accumulated pregnancy weight postpartum are key prevention factors. Maintaining a healthy weight in the long-term is a challenge. Behavioral psychology and coaching techniques are presented in this article that can be useful in sustaining behaviors that promote a healthy weight., (© 2013 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.)

The concept of prenatal flavor learning can be used to motivate women to eat healthy foods. The flavors of the foods in the maternal diet are found in the amniotic fluid swallowed by the fetus, with the fetus developing a preference for those flavors that is shown to persist in infancy. Furthermore, flavor preferences in infancy can persist into childhood and even into adulthood. Thus, the intrauterine environment may have a life-long influence on flavor preferences and healthy eating. This is an empowering concept for a pregnant woman: her baby will develop a preference for what she eats. However, education alone about this concept may not be sufficient to motivate behavior change. The evidence for health promotion strategies demonstrated to be effective in pregnancy is presented here, along with associated implications for prenatal flavor learning and the prevention of obesity and diabetes.

Unlabelled: Previous studies have suggested that women have low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables. This study's objective was to test the effectiveness of a novel nutrition intervention (education about prenatal flavor learning) on increasing fruit and vegetable intake in a group of primarily Latina women at an urban prenatal clinic., Methods: The Harvard Service Food Frequency Questionnaire (HSFFQ) was administered to 2 groups at the same clinic at 2 time points for each group. The first group was a nonintervention, comparison group. The second (intervention) group received specific information about how a pregnant woman's food choices can influence subsequent solid food preferences of her infant, with encouragement given to increase fruit and vegetable choices. The HSFFQ was administered pre- and post-intervention for this group., Results: Combined fruit and vegetable intake declined from the administration of Q#1 to Q#2 in both the comparison (n = 28) and intervention (n = 31) groups. The decline was primarily the result of a decrease in vegetable intake, but it was not statistically significant. In the comparison group, only 23.3-36.6% of women were eating adequate daily servings of vegetables, and in the intervention group 32.3%-38.7%. In both the comparison and intervention groups, over 74% of the women were eating adequate daily servings of fruit at both time points., Conclusions: In this Latina population of pregnant women, there was no difference in fruit and vegetable intake after receiving education about prenatal flavor learning. These findings suggest that education alone may not be sufficient to change health behaviors.

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for women and their babies, but particularly if the woman is obese and/or had a pregnancy affected with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women who have had GDM are at high risk for developing metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, and their offspring are at greater risk for these metabolic disorders both in childhood and later in adulthood. There is considerable evidence that breastfeeding may attenuate these risks. The aim of this article is to present the most recent evidence on what is known about how breastfeeding can mitigate the adverse metabolic effects of obesity and GDM on both mother and child, and describe best practices that can support and sustain breastfeeding, particularly in racial/ethnic communities at risk.

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate possible differences in insulin sensitivity, food intake, and cravings between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)., Methods: Subjects were screened for PMS using the Penn Daily Symptom Rating (DSR) scale. Each subject had two overnight admissions (once in each cycle phase) to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They performed 3-day diet histories prior to each hospitalization. After admission, subjects received dinner and a snack, then were fasted until morning, when they underwent a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT). Insulin sensitivity was determined by Minimal Model analysis. Blinded analysis of diet histories and inpatient food intake was performed by a registered dietitian., Results: There was no difference found in insulin sensitivity between cycle phases (n = 7). There were also no differences in proportions of macronutrients or total kilocalories by cycle phase, despite a marked difference in food cravings between cycle phase, with increased food cravings noted in the luteal phase (p = 0.002). Total DSR symptom scores decreased from a mean of 186 (+/-29.0) in the luteal phase to 16.6 (+/-14.2) in the follicular phase. Women in this study consumed relatively high proportions of carbohydrates (55%-64%) in both cycle phases measured., Conclusions: These findings reinforce the suggestion that although the symptom complaints of PMS are primarily confined to the luteal phase, the neuroendocrine background for this disorder may be consistent across menstrual cycle phases.

Background: Many women complain of difficulty maintaining euglycemia during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This pilot study's objective was to evaluate possible differences in insulin sensitivity between follicular and luteal phases in women with type 1 diabetes., Methods: Women using insulin infusion pumps (n = 5, mean age 29.2 +/- 10.9 years, mean body mass index 24 +/- 1.8 kg/m(2)) underwent frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests during each cycle phase. Insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness were determined by Minimal Model analysis., Results: Non-insulin-mediated glucose disposal increased during the luteal phase (0.009 +/- 0.004 min(1)) versus the follicular phase (0.005 +/- 0.003 min(1)) (P < 0.05). Although no significant differences were found in mean insulin sensitivity between follicular (0.76 +/- 0.27 x 10(4)/min(1) /microU/mL) and luteal phase (0.58 +/- 0.26 x 10(4)/min(1) /microU/ mL), three of the five subjects had a decline in insulin sensitivity., Conclusions: Elevated blood glucose during the luteal phase may increase insulin-independent glucose disposal. Some individuals appear more responsive to menstrual cycle effects on insulin sensitivity. Women should be encouraged to use available self-monitoring technology to identify possible cyclical variations in blood glucose that might require clinician review and insulin dosage adjustments.

Insulin resistance is a component of several health disorders, most notably impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin-resistant individuals have an impaired biological response to the usual action of insulin; that is, they have reduced insulin sensitivity. Various methods are used to assess insulin sensitivity both in individuals and in study populations. Validity, reproducibility, cost, and degree of subject burden are important factors for both clinicians and researchers to consider when weighing the merits of a particular method. This article describes several in vivo methods used to assess insulin sensitivity and presents the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Women experience the pain of labor differently, with many factors contributing to their overall perception of pain. The neuromatrix theory of pain provides a framework that may explain why selected nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief can be quite effective for the relief of pain for the laboring woman. The concept of a pain "neuromatrix" suggests that perception of pain is simultaneously modulated by multiple influences. The theory was developed by Ronald Melzack and represents an expansion beyond his original "gate theory" of pain, first proposed in 1965 with P. D. Wall. This article reviews several nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief with implications for the practicing clinician. Providing adequate pain relief during labor and birth is an important component of caring for women during labor and birth.

Maintaining normal blood glucose levels is a constant challenge for women with diabetes. Anecdotal reports reveal that many women question if menstrual cycle phases may affect their blood glucose levels. However, results from studies investigating the effect of the menstrual cycle on insulin sensitivity in diabetic women have been conflicting. One variable that may account for the conflicting results is the presence or absence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which may exacerbate menstrual cycle-related effects on insulin sensitivity. Treatment of PMS with serotonin reuptake inhibitors may alleviate the symptoms of PMS, as well as improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood glucose levels.