Midwifery最新文献

{"title":"Quality appraisal tools used in qualitative evidence syntheses of maternity care research: A scoping review","authors":"Valerie Smith ,&nbsp;Aoife Smith ,&nbsp;Lorraine Carroll","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104479","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104479","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Quality appraisal (QA) is an expected component when conducting qualitative evidence syntheses (QES). Multiple QA tools are available, however, rendering reviewers’ decision-making on choice of tool challenging.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To identify and assess QA tools used in published QES of maternity care research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews was used. Published QES were included if they reported on pregnant or postpartum women, their partners, or maternity care professionals, in any setting or geographical location. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Epistimonikos were searched from January 2000 to May 2024. Eligibility screening and data extraction were performed by pairs of reviewers independently. The findings were charted using narrative summaries, tables, and figures.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>One hundred and one QES were included. The QA tools most frequently used were the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) (<em>n</em> = 48) and the JBI Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) (<em>n</em> = 22). In the remaining QES, 13 different tools were identified. Both CASP and JBI-QARI meet most of the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group’s recommended criteria for a QA tool, although 24 QES that used these tools applied a scoring system.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This scoping review found variation in choice and use of QA tools across 101 QES, although CASP and JBI-QARI were commonly used. It may be reasonable to recommend these tools for use in QES conduct, however, recent work on QA tool development for QES may alter the landscape of QA in future QES of maternity care research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104479"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231271","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":"Developing ‘Essential Coaching for Every Partner’, a postpartum text-message digital health solution for non-birthing parents","authors":"Justine Dol ,&nbsp;Christine T. Chambers ,&nbsp;Jennifer A Parker","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Non-birthing parents (fathers, 2SLGBTQ+ parents) are less supported in the transition to parenthood than birthing parents (mothers). Education via text-messaging has potential to fill a postpartum health service gap for the non-birthing parent. A postpartum text message program (<em>Essential Coaching for Every Mother)</em> was developed for birthing parents, with a need identified for a similar program for the non-birthing parent.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The objective is to describe the design and development of <em>Essential Coaching for Every Partner</em> as a postpartum text message digital health solution for non-birthing parents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a descriptive, user-centered iterative study design, initial messages were designed from <em>Essential Coaching for Every Mother</em>, modified for the non-birthing parent. Non-birthing parents (<em>n</em> = 11), postpartum healthcare providers (<em>n</em> = 11), and experts (<em>n</em> = 2) were involved in four rounds of iterative user testing using semi-structured interviews. The Information Assessment Method (IAM) Parents was also completed by non-birthing parents.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Over four rounds, the content and timing of when the messages were sent were modified based on participant feedback. Additional content areas were suggested (e.g., combination feeding). New messages were created, resulting in a total of 59 messages. All non-birthing parents felt the information was relevant and understandable, and 91 % felt it would make them less worried.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Through inclusion of non-birthing parents, postpartum healthcare providers, and experts in the development and iterative testing, the messages are patient-focused and evidence-based. <em>Essential Coaching for Every Partner</em> is anticipated to increase parenting self-efficacy and reduce postpartum anxiety for non-birthing parents, while filling a health service gap.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104480"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254083","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":"Delphi study on first-time parents’ perceptions of professional support in the early postpartum period","authors":"Elisabeth Schobinger ,&nbsp;Antje Horsch ,&nbsp;Anne-Sylvie Ramelet","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104481","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104481","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem and background</h3><div>Professional support during the early postpartum period is crucial for first-time parents, yet little is known about which specific professional support behaviours parents consider most important.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine, by consensus, which professional support behaviours are important for first-time parents during the early postpartum period and whether there are differences between mothers and fathers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An observational modified two-round Delphi was conducted with 90 first-time parents in the postpartum ward of two Swiss hospitals from July to December 2022. In both rounds, participants rated the importance of each item on a Likert response scale. Consensus was defined as items rated &gt; 4 and a coefficient of variation of ≤25 %. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to analyse the data, and thematic analysis for the new items proposed in Round 1.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Response rate was 86.6 % in Round 1 (<em>n</em> = 78), and 70 % in Round 2 (<em>n</em> = 63). Consensus was reached on 64 items (87.7 %) in Round 1 and 65 (78.3 %) in Round 2. Participants prioritised professional support behaviours promoting <em>partnerships with care providers</em> and <em>transition into the new parenting role</em>. Differences between mothers (<em>n</em> = 38) and fathers (<em>n</em> = 27) emerged for two items: “Suggesting different alternatives regarding infant care, breastfeeding position,” and “having a gentle, caring attitude”, with mothers rating them higher.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion and conclusion</h3><div>First-time parents identified key professional support behaviours for postpartum care emphasising the importance of personalised, non-judgmental support. Minor differences between mothers and fathers suggest both perspectives should be considered when providing support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104481"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231272","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":"Antenatal and intrapartum interventions to prevent psychological birth trauma: A mixed methods systematic review","authors":"Victoria Barrett ,&nbsp;Kerry Evans ,&nbsp;Helen Spiby","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To systematically identify interventions that have been delivered to women in the antenatal or intrapartum period to prevent or reduce psychological trauma post childbirth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search strategy was conducted across databases including MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Maternity Infant Care from inception to July 2024. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using recognised frameworks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eleven studies involving 871 women met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included psychological and psycho-educational interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy, antenatal education and continuous intrapartum supportive care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Multi-component interventions delivered in the antenatal period may be effective in preventing or reducing psychological trauma post childbirth in women with histories of traumatic life events. However, further research is required to identify the most effective and acceptable components of an intervention delivered to women in the antenatal or intrapartum period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104473"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144205777","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":"Network analysis of postpartum depression, sleep problems, psychological birth trauma, and quality of life in women with high-risk pregnancy","authors":"Zhang Jiayuan ,&nbsp;Luo Xiaoxi ,&nbsp;Chen Dan ,&nbsp;Zhou Yuqiu","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104476","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104476","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Women with high-risk pregnancies often experience postpartum depression, birth trauma, and sleep disturbances, which can significantly affect their quality of life (QOL). Understanding the links between these issues is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve postpartum health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of postpartum depression, psychological birth trauma, and sleep disturbances, and their impact on QOL in women with high-risk pregnancies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 769 women who had high-risk pregnancies. Data was collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Psychological Birth Trauma Scale (PBTS), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) to assess depressive symptoms, sleep quality, psychological birth trauma, and QOL. Network analysis was employed to identify central and bridge symptoms and their relationships with QOL.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The network analysis revealed that “Daytime dysfunction” was the most central symptom, followed by “Subjective sleep quality,” “Enjoyment of activities,” and “Being neglected.” Five bridge symptoms were identified: “Daytime dysfunction,” “Physiological emotional response,” “Being neglected,” “Anxiety,” and “Sleep duration.” Among the psychological birth trauma symptoms, “Physiological emotional response” showed the strongest direct correlation with QOL.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This study highlights how postpartum depression, psychological birth trauma, and sleep disturbances collectively affect quality of life (QOL) in women with high-risk pregnancies. These findings underscore the need for interventions that address both physical and emotional symptoms to improve postpartum health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Targeting key symptoms, such as “Daytime dysfunction” and “Physiological emotional response,” with tailored interventions could significantly improve postpartum health outcomes and enhance QOL for women with high-risk pregnancies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104476"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144220886","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":"“I feel like I'm not confident enough”: A qualitative study of Cambodian midwives’ experiences in disability-inclusive maternity care","authors":"Champamunny Ven ,&nbsp;Manjula Marella ,&nbsp;Cathy Vaughan ,&nbsp;Alexandra Devine","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104472","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Midwives often experience challenges in meeting the maternity care needs of women with disabilities. Understanding context-specific factors influencing their experiences is essential if these challenges are to be addressed. This study aims to explore the experiences of Cambodian midwives regarding the provision of maternity care services for women with disabilities in Cambodia. In so doing, this study seeks to understand the barriers and facilitators that midwives encounter when delivering services to women with disabilities.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Research design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Drawing on the World Health Organization Quality of Care framework, this qualitative study employed a phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit fifteen midwives across the diverse geographical settings of Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu and Kampot. Participants engaged in an in-depth semi-structured interview. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Most participants reported past experiences in which they had provided maternity care to women with disabilities and professed their strong commitment to continue doing so. Key challenges undermining the capabilities, confidence, and therefore commitment of the midwives to providing this care included the lack of evidence-based guidelines and training on caring for women with disabilities, including communication challenges, insufficient mechanisms for identifying women with disabilities and their care needs, and inadequate referral systems and processes to respond to emergencies. These midwives also highlighted challenges they faced in supporting women to link into other key services such as social services, rehabilitation, and mental health services. Midwives were eager to receive more training and resources to strengthen their capacity to adequately meet the maternity care needs of women with disabilities.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cambodian midwives have identified several barriers to delivering disability-inclusive maternity care. To address these challenges, it is crucial to incorporate disability training into both pre-service and in-service training programs. Establishing evidence-based guidelines for disability-inclusive maternity care, ensuring essential physical resources, and developing accessible and reliable functional referral systems are priorities. Furthermore, midwives would benefit from receiving training in communicating with women with diverse disabilities and in collecting and assessing data on disability-related care needs when women with disabilities access maternity care services.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Statement of Significance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Globally, women with disabilities encounter substantial socio-economic and health disparities, which are further exacerbated by systemic barriers in accessing essential health services. This is particularly evident in maternity care, where wome","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104472"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195625","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":"Health care professionals’ perspectives and experiences of low-risk outpatient and inpatient labour induction: A qualitative interview study within the Swedish OPTION trial","authors":"Emma Dahlberg ,&nbsp;Anja Blix ,&nbsp;Verena Sengpiel ,&nbsp;Helen Elden","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Labour induction rates are rising globally, with 25 % of all births induced today. Research on professionals’ perspectives is limited. Few qualitative studies have been conducted, and none in the Nordic countries.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Some countries offer low-risk outpatient induction, allowing women without monitoring needs to await contractions at home.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To describe Swedish health care professionals’ perspectives and experiences of low-risk outpatient and inpatient induction.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative interview study was conducted at five hospitals participating in the randomised controlled OutPatient InducTION (OPTION) trial (EU CT No.: 2023–507,164–39–00). Focus group discussions or individual interviews were held with 20 health care professionals (midwives, obstetricians and auxiliary nurses) and analysed using qualitative content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Four generic categories were identified: The woman is more central; The birth companion has a natural role; Strategies are needed to maintain safe care; and Health care resources are used more effectively. Professionals viewed low-risk outpatient induction as a beneficial option for many women. They highlighted advantages for women, companions, health care professionals and their work environment, and resource allocation, but emphasised the importance of ensuring safe care.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Professionals’ experiences support previous research on women’s experiences of outpatient labour induction. The structured implementation of the OPTION trial, including guidelines, training and communication strategies, facilitated integration.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>While underscoring the need for robust safety protocols, according to our findings professionals find that low-risk outpatient induction can improve care, by offering benefits for women, their companions, and the health care system, and contributing to an improved work environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144178179","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":"Beyond the observed: Postpartum posttraumatic stress symptoms and mother-child bonding in Ghana","authors":"Sheriffa Mahama ,&nbsp;Justina Aba Ackom ,&nbsp;Buruwaa Adomako Agyekum ,&nbsp;Crossby Osei Tutu ,&nbsp;David Kwame Kumador ,&nbsp;Justice Owusu-Bempah","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The birth of a child is considered positive in almost all cultures; however, research suggests that 20–40 % of women find childbirth psychologically traumatic, with some of these women developing posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite its potential illness burden, postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder is not routinely screened for in Ghana and, therefore unlikely to be diagnosed and treated.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder among mothers and its association with the mother-child bond.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Quantitative data were collected from 150 mothers with infants aged 1 – 12 months across five health centres in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The findings show that 119 mothers presented various posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms after childbirth, and the total incidence of full postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder among this sample was 3.3 %. Parity, previous trauma and dissociation were the significant predictors of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. The development of posttraumatic stress symptoms after childbirth was found to be significantly associated with mother-child bonding.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Based on the findings, it is recommended that screening for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms during prenatal and early postnatal periods be done for timely intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144139648","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":"Understanding the impact of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency notifications on midwives’ wellbeing, midwifery practise, and career: A qualitative study","authors":"Fiona Gordon ,&nbsp;Laura Y Whitburn ,&nbsp;Michelle Newton","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Limited evidence exists about the impact of regulatory complaints processes on registered midwives and the wider midwifery profession within the Australian context.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To understand the broader impact of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) notifications process on midwives’ wellbeing, midwifery practise and career, and explore supports that midwives use and need.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A contextualist qualitative approach using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of eleven Australian midwives. Data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Three themes derived from the data were: ‘Profound personal and professional impacts’, ‘A fundamentally flawed process’, and ‘Finding strength in support’. Midwives subject to a notification report high levels of distress and inadequate support, resulting in devastating personal and professional impacts. During investigations midwives were dissatisfied with the AHPRA’s communication and timelines, their health and wellbeing were negatively impacted, lost confidence in practise, and questioned their self-identity.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Midwives subject to notification processes through the AHPRA find this stressful and protracted with negative impacts on health, wellbeing and professional practise. Midwives impacted by notifications need adequate supports from peers and a range of organisations within the industry. Improvements to streamline regulation processes and access to support mechanisms within organisations and the wider profession is urgently needed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current regulatory complaints process of midwives in Australia warrants urgent review and reform. With present midwifery workforce shortages, midwives impacted by notification processes need adequate support to remain in the profession.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104471"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144184408","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":"What does existing research tell us about the factors impacting non-serving military spouse mothers’ perinatal mental health experiences? A systematic review with textual narrative synthesis","authors":"Lyndsay M.H. Spencer ,&nbsp;Elizabeth A. Barley ,&nbsp;Ann Robinson ,&nbsp;Hilary Davies-Kershaw","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104468","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104468","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perinatal mental health disorders affect 1 in 5 mothers, with military life introducing unique stressors that may exacerbate these conditions. Non-serving military spouse mothers may be particularly vulnerable, yet their specific needs remain underexplored. Understanding factors affecting their mental health is crucial, given its impact on both individual wellbeing and military personnel retention in the U.K.</div><div>This review systematically examines the factors influencing perinatal mental health in non-serving military spouse mothers, identifying key stressors and research gaps. A comprehensive search of eight electronic databases—ProQuest, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science—was conducted in April 2024, with relevant data extracted. Due to heterogeneity among studies, a textual narrative synthesis was applied.</div><div>Seven U.S-based studies met inclusion criteria, though all were of limited quality. No studies focused on European non-serving military mothers. Deployment emerged as a primary stressor, with perceived risk and timing of deployments in relation to pregnancy affecting mental health outcomes. However, broader perinatal experiences were largely unexamined.</div><div>Findings suggest military-specific factors, particularly spousal deployment, influence non-serving spouse mothers’ perinatal mental health. However, existing research is low quality, overly focused on deployment, U.S-centric, and limited in scope within the perinatal period.</div><div>Future research should explore the U.K Armed Forces context, consider factors beyond deployment, and encompass the entire perinatal period. These insights are essential for healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop targeted interventions and military-informed perinatal care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"148 ","pages":"Article 104468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144155116","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}