Module Code - Title:
NM4231
-
MIDWIFERY CARE IN PREGNANCY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of the module is to facilitate students to acquire a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, maternal adaptations and the care needed for women during pregnancy.
Syllabus:
Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy. Fertilisation and early development; placental development, fetal and maternal adaptations. The female pelvis and the reproductive organs. Preconception care. Initial antenatal assessment and on-going antenatal assessment and care. Antenatal screening and investigations of the woman and fetus. Common problems associated with early and advanced pregnancy. Transition to parenthood in the antenatal period. This module will incorporate the equivalent of one week clinical placement.
Clinical skills:
Landmarks and diameters of female pelvis and fetal skull and their application to midwifery practice
Initial antenatal visit
Abdominal examination
Antenatal assessment, monitoring and investigations throughout pregnancy
Fetal assessment, fetal auscultation and use of pinnard; application of cardiotocograph.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Describe the anatomical and physiological processes and adaptations that occur in the reproductive system and other systems during pregnancy.
Describe the holistic assessment of the woman in pregnancy.
Discuss the principles of preconception care.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Appreciate the importance of individualised antenatal care for women and their families.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Demonstrate midwifery skills in relation to a systematic antenatal assessment.
Demonstrate skills in relation to assessing fetal wellbeing.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The student will participate in the learning experience through a variety of teaching and learning strategies: in particular the completion of a workbook and OSCE's and the use of the virtual learning environment Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study to supplement their learning. The module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become knowledgeable about the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, maternal adaptations and the care needed for pregnant women. This module will integrate and connect theory with practice and provide an introduction to practice placement.
The module will reflect the most recent developments in the field and students will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of how research findings impact on the provision of care in pregnancy.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Coad, J. and Dunstall, M. (2019)
Anatomy and physiology for midwives 4th Edition
, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Johnson, R. and Taylor, W. (2022)
Skills for midwifery practice
, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Macdonald, S., Johnson, G. (2023)
Mayes' Midwifery, 16th Ed.,
, Elsevier.
Marshall J, Raynor M. (2020)
Myles Textbook for Midwives, 17th edition.
, London, Elsevier.
Other Relevant Texts:
Stables, D. and Rankin, J. (2017)
Physiology in childbearing with anatomy and related biosciences, 4th ed.
, Edinburgh: Elsevier.
Department of Health 2016 (2016)
National Maternity Strategy - Creating a Better Future Together 2016-2026,
, Dublin, Department of Health.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSMIDWUFA - MIDWIFERY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
carmel.bradshaw@ul.ie