Midwifery最新文献

{"title":"The process of implementation of OMGP: staff experiences of service change","authors":"Shelley A. Wilkinson , Katie Day , Naomi Homel , Josephine Laurie","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In 2023 our service introduced “OMGP”, the obstetric-medicine midwifery group practice model of care for women with complex medical care needs. OMGP is a collaborative, woman-centred model incorporating obstetrics, obstetric medicine, credentialled diabetes educators, and midwifery group practice.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To qualitatively explore knowledge and expectation of staff prior to its adoption and at a year post-implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study utilised profession-specific focus groups with OMGP staff (obstetricians, obstetric medicine physicians, credentialled diabetes educators, and midwifery group practice midwives) at baseline and 12 months post-implementation. Questions focused on understanding of and thoughts about the OMGP model of care, as well as important considerations for managing diabetes in pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>At baseline, the main theme relating to OMGP related to continuity of care. The main theme relating to how OMGP differs from usual models focused on enhanced benefits from interprofessional collaboration. Three themes existed around diabetes in pregnancy, including clinical knowledge, procedural concerns and professional boundaries. Initial expectations were broadly positive, acknowledging potential for scalability, but with caution regarding role clarity and adaption to change. A year following the model’s implementation, three themes were identified. These were: the benefits of a coordinated care delivery model, reflections and realisations, and embedding and strengthening, focusing on administrative/ procedural and systemic aspects of care delivery, highlighting areas for improvement and monitoring.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The insights of each professional group informed preparation for the launch of the model of care. Over time the model was successfully embedded, enhancing care coordination and delivery.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div><strong>Issue:</strong> Women with complex medical needs during pregnancy often experience fragmented and medicalised care, potentially leading to worse outcomes and less satisfaction with care.</div><div><strong>What is already known</strong>: Continuity of midwifery care has been shown to improve birth outcomes and satisfaction with care for women. However, most evidence of the benefits of continuity of care exists for low to medium-risk cohorts, presenting a barrier to implementation of this model of care for higher medical risk women.</div><div><strong>What this paper adds:</strong> This qualitative exploration of staff’s expectations and experience prior to and following the introduction of a collaborative, women focussed model of care for women at high medical risk. It revealed how, despite concerns regarding roles, processes, and clinical considerations, a shared goal of continuity of care and respect for interprofessional collaboration, str","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of low birth weight among newborns of women from a Middle Eastern Country: a retrospective case - control study","authors":"Eman Al Mamari ,&nbsp;Iman Al Hashmi ,&nbsp;Omar Al Omari","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Low birth weight (LBW) is the leading cause of inpatient morbidity for newborns under seven days of age and it is a major determinants of neonate’s long-term health.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To examine determinants of low birth weight among newborns born to women from a Middle Eastern Country.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this retrospective matched (1:1) case-control study, 414 participants were included from five major tertiary hospitals in Oman. A standardized report form was developed by the study principal investigator on the basis of a literature review on determinants of low birth weight. A Chi square test and a binary logistic regression were used to analyze the outcome of LBW (case versus control) and its determinants.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between January to June 2023, descriptive statistics showed that 8.3 % of newborns were born with LWB. Logistic regression results showed that total weight gain (β = -0.004, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), baby gender (β = 0.685, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), presence of IUGR (β = 1.82, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), and hemoglobin level at delivery (β = -0.010, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) were the only significant determinants of low birth weight.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>According to our study, LBW is significantly determined by maternal weight gain, maternal hemoglobin level at delivery, baby’s gender and IUGR. Midwives and antenatal healthcare providers are recommended to closely monitor hemoglobin levels and total weight gain throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, midwives are encouraged to adopt enhanced prenatal screening protocols that incorporate gender-specific risk assessments and more rigorous monitoring of signs of IUGR to mitigate the adverse outcomes associated with LBW, thus improving neonatal health outcomes and reducing LBW burden on health systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104531"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of pelvic belts to manage low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Jane Lauridsen ,&nbsp;Annett Dalbøge ,&nbsp;Alexander Jahn","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Low back (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) reduce functional capacity and quality of life during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>LBP and PGP are commonly experienced during pregnancy. Pelvic belts represent an intervention with minimal intrusion, easy access, and low cost, however the effect on health impairments (e.g., reducing pain) is uncertain.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of pelvic belts on health impairments during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Studies including pregnant women with singleton pregnancies experiencing LBP, PGP, or both were included. Studies with participants having co-morbidities, non-pregnancy-related LBP, PGP, or pelvic floor pain were excluded. The intervention was pelvic belt use compared to no belt or other types of belts. Outcomes included health impairments (e.g., pain and disability). After risk of bias assessment meta-analysis presented as forest plots was conducted using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Sensitivity analyses compared rigid and non-rigid belts. Level of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Data were analysed in STATA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seven studies were included. Meta-analysis showed a mean reduction in pain scores of -20.17 (95 % CI: [-40.73], [0.4]) (<em>N</em> = 6 studies) and a smaller reduction in disability of -4.65 (95 % CI: [-16.57], [7.26]) (<em>N</em> = 5 studies). The level of evidence was rated as low and very low.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Pelvic belts provide modest pain reduction and minimal improvement in disability during pregnancy. Due to the low to very low level of evidence, further studies are needed to make clinical recommendations on pelvic belts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of a cross cultural peer-support program to develop midwifery leadership: A multimethod study","authors":"Kimberley Crawford ,&nbsp;Nancy Geregl ,&nbsp;Carolyn Bailey ,&nbsp;Judi Brown ,&nbsp;Mary Sitaing ,&nbsp;Paula Zebdee Aines ,&nbsp;Helen Hall","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Across the globe there is a need to increase the number of midwives and invest in developing the capacity of midwives.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>There is evidence that the promotion of midwifery leadership can lead to an improvement in maternal and newborn health. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Midwifery <em>Buddy Program</em> develops a partnership between Australian and PNG midwives with the goal of building leadership confidence and skills in participants.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore participants’ perception of the <em>Buddy Program</em> and the impact that participation in the <em>Program</em> had on their leadership skills.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study utilised a multi-method approach, where data were collected through surveys conducted on multiple time points throughout the <em>Buddy Program.</em> All participants in the <em>Program</em> were invited to participate. Self-Leadership, Confidence as a Leader, Behaviour as a leader, and perceptions on the program workshop were assessed. Within and between group comparisons were made at baseline, after the workshop and 6-months.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The program was completed by 12 midwives from PNG and 7 from Australia. From baseline to 6-months, there was a significant increase in self-leadership skills (<em>p</em> <em>=</em> 0.016) in the PNG midwives. There was no significant difference between the Australian and PNG midwives for Self-Leadership, Confidence as a Leader or Behaviour as a leader at any time point.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Participation in the <em>Program</em> allowed midwives to develop their leadership skills and midwives valued the opportunity to network with other midwives.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The <em>Buddy Program</em> could be a model applied across other countries to build the capacity of midwives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144686243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health among women with fetal loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Xin Wang ,&nbsp;Ying Luo ,&nbsp;Ying Gao ,&nbsp;Jun-yan Li ,&nbsp;Yan-Qiong Ouyang ,&nbsp;Rong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown potential in reducing maternal negative emotions, but their effectiveness for women with fetal loss requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MBIs on mental health outcomes among these women.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MBIs for women with fetal loss were retrieved from eight databases, covering literature from inception to ^{January 21, 2025}. Outcomes included depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic growth. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 1.0, and meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten RCTs were included. MBIs significantly improve depression (SMD=1.01, 95 %<em>CI</em> (0.60,1.41), <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), anxiety (SMD=1.24, 95 %<em>CI</em> (0.57, 1.91), <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), stress (SMD=0.99, 95 %<em>CI</em> (0.11, 1.86), <em>p</em> = 0.03) and post-traumatic growth (MD=19.67, 95 %<em>CI</em> (10.96, 28.38), <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) in women with fetal loss. Subgroup analyses were feasible only for depression and anxiety. MBIs significantly reduced depressive symptoms in both women with pre-existing psychological symptoms (SMD=0.85, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) and those without (SMD=1.07, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), with no significant difference by intervention duration (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). For anxiety symptoms, MBIs were effective only in women without symptoms (SMD=1.57, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Short-duration MBIs (≤4 weeks, SMD=2.59, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) showed greater effects than long-duration MBIs (&gt;4 weeks, SMD=0.74, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>There are few high-quality RCTs, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>MBIs effectively improve mental health in women with fetal loss, with short-duration effects exceeding long-duration ones. These findings support the integration of MBIs into psychosocial care, particularly for women with pre-existing psychological symptoms, and highlight the need to refine intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104520"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supporting postpartum physical activity in maternity care: a co-creation study in Denmark","authors":"Solvej Videbæk Bueno ,&nbsp;Julie Sandell Jacobsen ,&nbsp;Rasmus Oestergaard Nielsen ,&nbsp;Per Kallestrup ,&nbsp;Knud Ryom","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104523","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Physical activity (PA) contributes to maternal health. The postpartum period presents a window of opportunity to influence health behaviours, including establishing sound PA routines. Interdisciplinary coordination across the maternity care system is essential for timely, contextually relevant, and equitable postpartum PA support.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To co-create strategies for supporting postpartum PA in maternity care in Denmark.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The “PRODUCES+ framework” guided this two-phase co-creation study. Phase 1 involved three expert interviews and insights from scientific literature on postpartum PA. Phase 2 comprised two co-creation workshops with stakeholders representing postpartum women and various healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Danish maternity care. Data from both phases were analysed thematically.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Expert interviews (phase 1) revealed three themes: (i) approaches to discussing PA with postpartum women, (ii) roles and competencies of various HCPs in postpartum PA support, and (iii) interdisciplinary collaboration. In the workshops (phase 2), stakeholders identified two optimal time points for delivering PA support: during the third trimester and at two months postpartum. PA barriers were identified at the structural, interpersonal, and individual levels. Co-created strategies included (i) screening and early identification of needs, (ii) varying competencies and roles of HCPs, (iii) PA support arenas, (iv) motivation and engagement, and (v) national postpartum PA guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this study offer insight into embedding PA support in existing maternity healthcare touchpoints. Interdisciplinary coordination, targeted support for those most in need, and a shared professional understanding of postpartum PA are highlighted as important to strengthen postpartum PA support in maternity care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of a co-designed digital animation in service improvement (DAISI) sharing messages around modifiable behaviours to reduce the risk of stillbirth","authors":"Bethan McEvoy ,&nbsp;Kylie Watson ,&nbsp;Kym Farrant ,&nbsp;Tomasina Stacey T ,&nbsp;Alexander E P Heazell ,&nbsp;Melanie Haith-Cooper","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In the United Kingdom, women from minoritised ethnic backgrounds experience increased rates of stillbirth compared to White women. To address this disparity, a digital animation, the Stillbirth DAISI (Digital Animation in Service Improvement), was co-produced to communicate messages in Arabic, English and Urdu about health behaviours that can reduce the risk of stillbirth.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To evaluate the acceptability and accessibility of the Stillbirth DAISI and its impact on knowledge of stillbirth and health behaviours that can reduce the risk of stillbirth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected using two structured telephone interviews with 29 Arabic, English and Urdu-speaking women from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. Between 16-20 weeks of pregnancy, participants were asked about their demographic characteristics, knowledge of stillbirth and behaviours to reduce the risk of stillbirth, before being provided with the Stillbirth DAISI. Between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy participants were asked the same questions, as well as their thoughts and experience of using DAISI.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>All participants accessed the Stillbirth DAISI and demonstrated increased in knowledge of stillbirth and behaviours to reduce risk of stillbirth. The median knowledge score increased from 5/14 [IQR 4-6.25] in the first interview, to 11/14 [IQR 9.75-12] in the second interview (p &lt; 0.001). Participants thought the DAISI was an acceptable and accessible resource which provided important health messages.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Stillbirth DAISI is an effective means to communicate messages about stillbirth prevention in different languages to minoritised ethnic women. Further studies are needed to determine whether improvement in knowledge translates to more equitable pregnancy outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104517"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144686226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multifactorial determinants of postpartum care uptake in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Asmaa Habib ,&nbsp;Hafiz. T.A. Khan ,&nbsp;Caroline Lafarge ,&nbsp;Amalia Tsiami","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postpartum care (PPC) uptake within six weeks after delivery is essential to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>to understand the determinants contributing to PPC uptake in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC).</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science databases were searched on PPC uptake for childbearing women in LMIC. Studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals since 2013 were eligible. A meta-analysis using a random-effect model was undertaken to measure the pooled effect of five key determinants of PPC uptake.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Among 1602 generated records, 24 cross-sectional studies were selected for the review. Nine of them were included in the meta-analysis (n=198 402 women). Overall, 55.4 % of women used PPC. The pooled findings of PPC uptake were associated with urban locations (OR=1.88, 95 % confidence interval (CI):0.76-1.91), and women’s primary (OR=1.45,95 %CI:1.31-1.61) and secondary (OR=1.67,95 %CI:1.45-1.92) education levels. Moreover, women from poor (OR=1.38,95 %CI:1.23-1.56), middle (OR=1.56,95 %CI:1.35-1.80), richer (OR=2.01,95 %CI:1.71-2.35) and the richest (OR=3.31,95 %CI:2.82-3.88) households were more likely to use PPC. Other facilitators included: PPC awareness, knowledge of postpartum morbidities, antenatal care, skilled birth attendant, health facility-based delivery, caesarean, women’s autonomy in decision-making, wanted pregnancy, primiparity, mass media exposure, women’s partner education and employment. Barriers to PPC uptake included: distance from health facilities, single marital status, unwanted pregnancy, cultural belief.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The differences in PPC uptake in LMIC reflect social inequities. These findings can inform equitable maternal health policies and programs in LMICs. Strengthening community outreach and addressing structural barriers by improving PPC quality and access may enhance uptake and reduce preventable complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104524"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences of a digital application intervention supporting recommended weight gain among pregnant women with BMI ≥27 in Denmark – a qualitative study","authors":"Sofia Sif Overby Fjorback ,&nbsp;Amalie Wienmann Hugin ,&nbsp;Michaela Louise Schiøtz ,&nbsp;Mette Kabell Hansen ,&nbsp;Sakura Goto Bokul Brethvad ,&nbsp;Ellen Christine Leth Løkkegaard ,&nbsp;Jane Marie Bendix ,&nbsp;Lotte Broberg","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the experiences of a digital application supporting recommended gestational weight gain among pregnant women with BMI ≥27 participating in the HealthyPregnancy Pilot-study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews (<em>n</em> = 17) analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Four themes were identified: 1) Mixed experiences and feelings towards a BMI-based intervention; 2) A holistic approach to health beyond BMI; 3) When daily life and individual circumstances interfere; 4) A reliable lifeline providing feelings of security. Most women viewed the intervention positively, while some experienced initial feelings of stigma, though this feeling was temporary and limited to recruitment. The pregnant women highlighted the importance of a dual focus on physical and mental health in the intervention and valued the application’s reliable information and access to healthcare professionals.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A holistic approach that integrates mental health support with physical activity and nutrition was emphasized as essential. Practical barriers like family demands limited participation. Accessibility to reliable support was valued, even when the intervention features were not frequently used. The results emphasize the need for accessible support addressing the diverse circumstances of pregnant women, and interventions must carefully consider framing and recruitment to minimize stigma.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104519"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences and perceptions of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study","authors":"Eleftheria Lazarou ,&nbsp;Theodosia Panteli ,&nbsp;Dimitra Metallinou ,&nbsp;Ekaterini Lambrinou ,&nbsp;Ourania Kolokotroni ,&nbsp;Panagiota Miltiadous ,&nbsp;Eleni Hadjigeorgiou","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104513","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104513","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>The current antenatal care for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in Cyprus does not adequately address their informational and emotional needs, resulting in significant gaps in support and overall care quality.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus are classified as high-risk, with studies highlighting both diabetes-related distress and significant impacts on maternal and fetal health.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore the experiences and perceptions of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in Cyprus to identify areas for improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Cyprus in 2020, using purposive sampling. Ten (<em>N</em> = 10) women with gestational diabetes mellitus and a gestational age greater than 30 weeks were included. Data was collected through a Facebook group page via semi-structured interviews and then analysed using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Participants' experiences and perceptions were categorised into four themes: 1) feelings aroused after gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis, 2) blood glucose maintenance, 3) family-related factors, and 4) suggestions for respectful care. Therefore, deep need for further information emerged throughout the four key themes which led to the development of a core theme identified as the \"Overwhelming Need for Knowledge\".</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Antenatal care in Cyprus for managing gestational diabetes mellitus requires improvements in empowering and educating women and their families, emphasising the need for midwives to be involved in enhancing women's experiences through antenatal education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104513"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}