The aim of this module is to enable students to recognise midwifery and obstetric emergencies and initiate appropriate management and escalate care in collaboration with other health care professionals.

The midwife's role in the identification, care and management of women experiencing complicated birth. Malpositions and malpresentations. Preterm labour including PPROM. Prolonged pregnancy and disorders of uterine action. Amniotic fluid embolism. Operative and assisted birth. Intrapartum and Primary postpartum haemorrhage. Multiple pregnancy and birth. Medication management in obstetric complications and emergencies. Clinical skills: Interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns and cardiotocograph Mechanisms of malpresentations/malpositions Management of shoulder dystocia Management of breech birth Management of presentation and prolapse of the umbilical cord; Assessment and management of postpartum haemorrhage including estimation of blood loss Manual removal of the placenta Management of birth of twins Application of principles of perioperative skills including cricoid pressure Communication using ISBAR and Irish Modified Early Warning Scoring System (IMEOWS).

Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to detect and care for women experiencing obstetric emergencies in labour and birth. Recognise the importance of effective communication between members of the multi-professional team in critical clinical situations.

Appreciate the implications of obstetric complications for the woman and her family.

Demonstrate the skills necessary to care for women experiencing obstetric emergencies incorporating effective communication with the woman and members of the multiprofessional team. Application of principles of perioperative skills including cricoid pressure.

The student will participate in the learning experience through a variety of teaching and learning strategies: in particular the management of obstetric complications through the completion of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) in the multidisciplinary context. Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study to supplement their learning. As a result of gaining a thorough understanding of obstetric emergencies the module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become more knowledgeable, responsible and collaborative in their approach to the care of women who experience obstetric emergencies. Students will have the ability to initiate appropriate management and escalate care in collaboration with other health care professionals and develop further confidence and competence in their ability to be responsive and proactive in the provision of care. Students will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of how research findings impact on the provision of care to women who experience obstetric complications and incorporate relevant national and international health policy into their practice.