Improving the Outcomes for Women Who Develop Preeclampsia: What Can the Midwife Do?

• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 R-CERP, 0.1 Midwifery CEU
• Handout: Yes

Abstract:

Pre-eclampsia, a complex hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is the second leading cause of global maternal mortality affecting about 8% of pregnancies. Although there are more positive outcomes for women who develop pre-eclampsia in Europe, North America and Australia, there are far more devastating consequences in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC’s). To improve the outcomes and ultimately achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), effective care is recommended for all women who develop pre-eclampsia, and this should be based on high quality guidelines to facilitate prompt identification and management. As front-line maternity service providers, midwives are instrumental in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths from all complications including pre-eclampsia. Across the continuum of care, midwives have the potential to save over 30% of women who develop pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Depending on the setting, midwives may assess, diagnose, initiate, and coordinate care for women who develop pre-eclampsia within regulated practice frameworks and in agreement with international practice standards. This presentation will highlight the burden of pre-eclampsia and discuss the current care recommendations during the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Practical application strategies in LMIC’s will be emphasized in the context of WHO’s quality care framework.

Learning Objectives: