VIDM 2026 Posters
| Presenter | Abstract | Title/Poster |
|---|---|---|
| Agonsi Celine Chibuzo, Faith Diorgu, Patricia Ukaigwe | Introduction: This study explores the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention in reducing childbirth fear and anxiety among first-time pregnant women in Imo State, Nigeria. Recognizing that fear and anxiety can negatively impact maternal well-being, the research aims to improve emotional preparedness through structured psychoeducation. A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial was conducted with 254 participants, evenly divided between a control group at Federal Medical Centre Owerri and an intervention group at Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma. Participants were recruited between 16-20 weeks of gestation, ensuring demographic parity at baseline. The intervention consisted of three sessions that covered childbirth processes, coping strategies, and emotional regulation, while the control group received standard antenatal care. Findings revealed that all participants initially reported high levels of morbid fear and anxiety. The psychoeducational intervention resulted in a threefold reduction in delivery expectancy fear (RR = 3.46, p = 0.001) and a twofold reduction in anxiety (RR = 2.08, p = 0.001). Reductions in fear were consistent across all age groups, whereas significant anxiety reduction was mainly observed in women aged 25-31 years. Additionally, educational status influenced outcomes, with significant anxiety improvements noted among women with secondary and tertiary education. In conclusion, the psychoeducational intervention effectively reduced childbirth fear universally and selectively decreased anxiety, indicating its potential for integration into routine antenatal care to enhance maternal psychological well-being and improve childbirth outcomes. | Psychoeducational Intervention for Reducing Childbirth Fear Among Pregnant Women in Two Public Hospitals in Owerri ; A Randomized Trial |
| Arianna Flores & Shelbie Spresser | Introduction/Background/Significance: Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner students present the 10th annual student cafe. Rooted in their Jesuit values of care for the whole person, students reflect on their clinical experiences to explore the new evidence behind routine screening of vitamin D levels to prevent and manage gestational diabetes. Rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are increasing, and it is associated with significant risks for birthing people and their infants, including cardiovascular complications and metabolic dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among reproductive-aged individuals and has been linked to pathways central to the development of GDM. Preconception identification and treatment of vitamin D deficiency could both reduce the risk of developing GDM, and improve management of GDM. Methods/Approach: This novel aspect of prenatal care was explored through clinical case review, followed by a literature search through pubMED and Google Scholar. Findings: Adequate Vitamin D levels may support a reduced risk of developing GDM, and improve glycemic regulation in gestational diabetes. In neonates, optimal maternal vitamin D status is associated with healthier fetal growth patterns, a reduced risk of neonatal hypoglycemia, and improved early metabolic adaptation, thereby reducing rates of hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusions/Implications: Midwifery practice is uniquely positioned to integrate Vitamin D screening, education, and supplementation into comprehensive prenatal care. This approach aligns with the midwifery model of care by emphasizing prevention and the promotion of long-term health for families. | Vitamin D Levels and the Prevention and Management of Gestational Diabetes and the Effects on Maternal Outcomes and Neonatal Outcomes |
| Cindy L. Farley, Juliet Wood ; Barbara Baranowska; Maria Wagrzynowska; Jalana Lazar; Felicity Agwu Kalu; Clare Davison; Jane Fry; UrszulaTataj-Puzyna; Maria Healy; Emma Ritchie, Debora Dole | This poster represents the culmination of over 6 years of collaborative international work exploring student confidence for supporting physiologic birth. In 2019 at the International Normal Labor and Birth Research Conference, two English midwife educators presented their developing survey exploring midwifery student confidence for supporting normal labour and birth. They invited interested researchers to contact them should they wish to join. A group of 12 academic midwives from five countries, (Australia (AU), England (EN), Northern Ireland (NI), Poland (PO), and the United States of America (US), engaged in this collaborative study. Early challenges for our work to move forward included planning meeting times for busy professionals, working through time zone differences, and determining computer platforms for live virtual discussions. Language differences and nuanced meanings in English language were carefully pondered. Variations in midwifery curricula didactic and clinical progressions and their influence on the variables of interest were discussed. Adapting the survey to the structure of midwifery education and practice in each country while retaining similar meaning was considered. Cross-country research offers benefits of networking globally, appreciating cultural context, and comparing emic and etic perspectives on study processes and findings. It can be enriching on a personal level through developing friendships and deeper understanding of issues confronting midwifery across the globe. | Midwifery Student Confidence for Supporting Physiologic Birth: A 5-Country Exploration  |
| Diane Menage & Indie Luna | Despite advances in maternal healthcare, persistent inequities in outcomes demonstrate that clinical innovation alone is insufficient. Compassionate midwifery care, grounded in respect, relational continuity, and recognition of women’s agency, is increasingly recognised as essential to improving maternal and newborn experiences and outcomes. However, the evidence base for compassion in midwifery remains fragmented and underdeveloped. The International Research Network for Compassionate Midwifery (IRNCM) was established to address this gap. IRNCM is a global platform dedicated to generating, curating and translating research on compassionate midwifery to strengthen evidence-based maternity care. This poster presentation succinctly introduces the network’s objectives, current initiatives, and vision for advancing research, policy and practice. IRNCM serves as an international hub for collaboration, professional learning and knowledge exchange. Emerging evidence indicates that compassionate midwifery enhances women’s sense of safety and self-efficacy, reduces anxiety, strengthens trust in care providers, and contributes to improved outcomes for mothers and families. By building a robust evidence base, IRNCM aims to address inequities by supporting care tailored to women’s diverse needs; inform policy with actionable insights; promote a culture of respect within maternity systems and drive global collaboration. Positioned at the intersection of research and practice, the network ensures that compassion is recognised not as an optional attribute, but as a measurable and essential component of high-quality maternal care. | The Evidence for Compassion in Midwifery: Building a Global Research Network to Transform Maternal Care |
| Egeh Perpetua Chinasa | This presentation examines maternal and newborn outcomes associated with upright versus supine birthing positions during the second stage of labour in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is based on a systematic review of studies conducted between 2004 and 2024, drawing evidence from countries including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Benin, Tanzania, and South Africa. The aim is to evaluate how different maternal positions influence key outcomes and to promote evidence-based midwifery practice. The review focuses on major maternal outcomes such as duration of labour, mode of delivery, level of pain, and perineal trauma, as well as neonatal outcomes including Apgar scores, neonatal trauma, and admissions to neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Findings consistently show that upright positions such as squatting, kneeling, and all-fours are associated with shorter labour duration, reduced need for instrumental delivery and cesarean section, less maternal pain, and fewer perineal injuries compared to the supine position. In addition, neonates born in upright positions tend to have better Apgar scores and lower rates of NICU admission, indicating improved immediate health outcomes. Despite these benefits, the supine position remains widely used in many healthcare settings due to institutional routines, limited resources, and gaps in provider training. The presentation highlights the need for increased awareness, training, and policy support to encourage the use of alternative birthing positions. It concludes by advocating for woman-centered care that promotes maternal comfort, improves clinical outcomes, and supports informed choice during childbirth. | Maternal and Newborn Outcomes of Upright versus Supine Birthing Positions in Sub-saharan Africa: A systematic review |
| Emanuela Anna Munaretto & Francesca Semeraro | Background: Pregnancy is a period of physical and psychological transformations that affect a woman’s self-perception. In this context, bodily changes can alter how the body is experienced and appreciated influencing psychological well-being during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted on 404 women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy through the administration of an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Pregnancy is characterized by emotional ambivalence: 59.4% of women report feeling happy but a little anxious, while 28% feel very happy and positive. Regarding bodily changes, 52.7% experience them positively, whereas 17.8% feel uncomfortable. Younger women appear more emotionally vulnerable than older ones (29.6% vs 14.3%). Moreover, multiparous women have greater difficulty accepting their bodies compared to first-time mothers (39.3% vs 25.7%). In terms of perceived support, 76.7% report receiving social support, while only 2.5% receive support from healthcare professionals. Additionally, 62.4% attended childbirth support courses, but only 53.4% addressed topics related to psychological well-being and body perception. Conclusions: Pregnancy is a dynamic process influenced by demographic, sociocultural and interpersonal factors and characterized by positive, negative and ambivalent emotions. In this context, considering that only 2.5% received support from healthcare professionals during pregnancy, it is necessary to strengthen the role of the midwife as a key reference figure that pregnant women can turn to in case of doubts or needs. Furthermore, it is essential to promote prenatal education to promote body awareness and the psychological well-being of the pregnancy. | The evolution of body image during pregnancy: an introspective analysis of the relationship between self-perception and psychological well-being |
| Esther Oluwatoyin Famutimi, Chizoma Millicent Ndikom, Elizabeth Urenna Ike, Ajibola Omobola Ojo, Temitayo Moyosore Adebisi, Miriam-Hilda Okpaleke , Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide, Prisca Olabisi Adejumo | Despite digital technologies presenting a significant opportunity to promote equitable, women-centered care and to strengthen the midwifery profession. Disparities in access to these technologies and insufficient digital competencies among midwives may inadvertently perpetuate, rather than ameliorate, pre-existing structural inequities. This narrative review integrates current evidence on digital health efforts and their intersection with equity, access, and human rights in midwifery care. Methods An in-depth narrative review was conducted; electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL were used to search for articles based on peer review published between January 2021 and December 2025. The search terms incorporated a combination of the terms midwifery,digital health,equity,maternal care,and human rights. Out of the 146 articles retrieved, only thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria after screening for relevance, duplication, and quality of methodology. Data were analysed thematically in three areas: (1) digital access and equity; (2) human rights and respectful maternity care in virtual contexts; and (3) capacity-building for midwives in digital ecosystems. Results: This review identified the role of digital tools, specifically mobile health (mHealth) platforms, remote antenatal care, and e-learning for accessing care and health literacy for women in remote areas. Gaps in infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy still affect rural and low-income communities disproportionately. Worldwide policy papers emphasised the need to embed digital competencies in the midwifery curricula to promote equitable i mplementation. Conclusion: To achieve digital transformation in maternal care, this review serves as a clarion call to global health systems for digital inclusivity, policy changes, and midwifery-centric advocacy. | Reimagining Maternal Health Equity in the Digital Age: A Narrative Review of the Evolving Role of Midwifery in Technology-Enabled Care |
| Faith Softcheck & Hawa Boyce | Early pregnancy loss (EPL), defined as pregnancy loss before 13 weeks gestation, affects roughly 10% of known and recognized pregnancies. While abnormalities account for many cases, a large of losses remain unexplained. Emerging evidence proportion chromosomal suggests that chronic psychosocial stressors may influence early gestational development through inflammatory and epigenetic processes. It is also recognized that stress exposure is not distributed equally across various populations. This presentation examines the risks of stress to early pregnancy loss (EPL) and discusses ways to mitigate these risks. | Impact of Stress on Early Pregnancy Loss |
| Harridhil Silmi | Background: While Indonesia targets malaria elimination by 2030, 93.6% of national cases remain concentrated in the Papua region (Red Zone). Malaria in pregnancy is a leading cause of severe anemia and low birth weight. Objective: This policy review analyzes the implementation gap between the National Malaria Elimination Roadmap (MoH Decree No. 1988/2024) and actual midwifery practice in endemic areas. Methods: We conducted a gap analysis comparing mandated strategies (TOKEN: Find, Treat, Control) against the 2024 Indonesia Health Profile and 2022 Malaria Annual Report data. Results: We identified a critical Protection Gap. While antenatal care access is high (96%), adherence to prophylaxis remains low. Midwives face systemic barriers, including Logistical Fragility (RDT stock-outs in remote areas) and lack of electricity for digital reporting. Consequently, 18% of pregnant women in endemic zones are missed during screening, and only 77% receive protective bed nets (LLINs). Conclusion: Access does not guarantee protection. We propose three midwifery-led solutions: integrating nutritional support with malaria screening, prioritizing solar power for remote diagnostics, and legalizing task-shifting for midwives to administer treatment in isolation areas. | Guarding the Womb in the Red Zone: Bridging the Gap Between National Malaria Policy and Midwifery Practice  |
| Heather Bradford, Melicia Escobar, Kathryn Atkin, Caitlin Givens, Katie DePalma, Ella Heitzler | Background: Pass rates of the national midwifery exam in the United States have declined dramatically over the last 10 years. Rooted in a mission-driven university with social justice and cura personalis as fundamental values, the 2nd largest U.S. midwifery education program, with students in 49 states, was developed to address perinatal care deserts nationally and increase workforce development through accessible education and training. Midwifery students are challenged by financial, academic, and structural barriers to graduate and transition to clinical practice. Addressing these identified inequities among midwifery students and fostering a just and supportive academic learning environment are imperative in order to grow and diversify the midwifery workforce and support student success on the national midwifery exam. Aim/Methods: With strong university and school support, and an alignment with our institution’s mission and values, 3 innovations were implemented within 1 midwifery education program: 1) a comprehensive online test bank of 700 multiple choice questions, 2) a free online, synchronous board preparation course for students and graduates at high-risk for not passing the certification exam, and 3) a student emergency fund. The need, development, implementation, and preliminary data on the outcomes from these 3 innovations will be discussed. Findings/Conclusion: With the implementation of 3 interventions to promote midwifery student retention and success, one midwifery education program is improving their program’s board certification pass rates. | Midwifery Education Innovations to Grow and Diversify the Midwifery Workforce |
| Josi Noviani, Naomi Sondang, Cindy Maharani Putri | Global maternal mortality remains high, with approximately 300,000 deaths each year, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. High-quality antenatal care (ANC) plays an important role in reducing these numbers, with midwives serving as key providers in improving maternal and neonatal health. However, the mapping of research on the role of midwives in ANC remains limited, making it important to analyze global trends and identify research gaps. This study applies a bibliometric approach using data from Scopus, which were analyzed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny (R). The findings show a total of 4,000 publications from 1986 to 2026, with a steadily increasing trend, dominated by high-income countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Major research topics include clinical practice, maternal health services, and patient safety. These findings provide important insights to support more inclusive and balanced future research, particularly those centered on women’s needs in maternal healthcare. | Global Mapping of Midwives’ Roles in Antenatal Care Services : A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization  |
| Kati Krebs & Roslyn Donnellan-Fernandez | ADHD in women remains significantly under-recognised globally, with many receiving a diagnosis only in adulthood or during pregnancy. Hormonal changes across the perinatal period can intensify ADHD symptoms, contributing to emotional dysregulation, sensory overwhelm, and increased vulnerability to anxiety and trauma. Despite these impacts, ADHD-related needs are rarely identified or documented within maternity care systems, resulting in missed opportunities for early support, inclusive communication, and safe, responsive care planning. Many neurodivergent women also experience comorbidities such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), autonomic dysfunction, chronic pain, and proprioceptive challenges. These conditions can influence labour progress, tissue integrity, bleeding risk, pelvic stability, postpartum recovery, and infant feeding or settling patterns. When comorbidities remain unrecognised, women frequently encounter disbelief, minimisation, or fragmented care, compounding fear, loss of control, and physical vulnerability. This intersection of ADHD and comorbidities represents a significant but overlooked contributor to birth trauma and inequitable outcomes. This poster synthesises emerging evidence on ADHD in the perinatal period and outlines practical, midwifery-led strategies that promote safety, autonomy, and equity. Recommendations include structured and predictable communication, sensory-aware environments, visual or written supports, and comorbidity-informed care planning such as pelvic support garments, compression garments, and Rebozo techniques to aid fetal alignment. Tailored postnatal follow-up further supports parents navigating sensory needs, reflux, or unsettled infant behaviour. Embedding trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming principles into midwifery practice is essential for advancing human rights and reducing inequities in maternity care. By recognising ADHD-related needs and associated comorbidities early, midwives can make a profound difference to womens safety, wellbeing, and overall experience of pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. | Recognising and Responding to ADHD in the Perinatal Period: A Midwifery-Led Approach to Equity and Safety |
| Kinanti | Stunting remains a major child health challenge in Indonesia, particularly in Papua, where prevalence rates are consistently high and health systems face significant resource constraints. Despite the availability of local food resources, gaps persist in nutrition knowledge, service delivery, and real-time monitoring of child growth. In primary healthcare settings, midwives and health workers are often burdened with administrative tasks, limiting their capacity to provide comprehensive and woman-centred care. This study aims to evaluate the usability and perceived usefulness of CENDRAWASIH AI (Cegah Stunting, Rawat Anak, Indonesia Sehat), an AI-supported digital application designed to support stunting prevention through screening, intervention, monitoring, and real-time evaluation. The application integrates Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for managing and analysing stunting-related data, and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for food recognition to generate locally relevant nutrition recommendations aligned with the Indonesian Ministry of Health guidelines. The platform is culturally adapted, incorporating Indonesian and Papuan languages to enhance accessibility for parents, community cadres, and health workers. A quasi-experimental post-test-only design was conducted involving 15 participants (2 midwives, 3 community cadres, and 10 mothers of children under five). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the System Usability Scale (SUS), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and ISO usability standards, and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings demonstrate high usability and acceptance, with most participants reporting ease of use, clear navigation, and perceived benefits in supporting child health monitoring and stunting prevention. However, some participants indicated the need for clearer explanations of screening results. Overall, CENDRAWASIH AI shows strong potential | CENDRAWASIH AI: A Digital Health Innovation to Support midwifery care for Stunting Prevention in Southeast Papua, Indonesia |
| Kristina Goh & Nazia Ashraf | The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) describes perinatal mental health (PMH) concerns as conditions occurring during pregnancy and up to one-year postpartum. The National Health Service (NHS) states that nationally, 27% of mothers are affected with PMH disorders throughout the perinatal period. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) state that women from a Black and Minority Ethnic background are at a higher risk of encountering PMH problems for several reasons including language barriers, cultural beliefs on PMH which discourages women from seeking help, as well as limited awareness of available services. There is a significant link between ethnicity, socio-economic deprivation, and poor maternity outcomes for ethnic minority women. Multifactorial barriers such as language barriers, cultural differences, lack of individualised support and socio-economical inequalities can contribute towards poor perinatal outcomes. Care should always be tailored to the woman and her family. Staff should be encouraged to be aware of their unconscious biases and avoid prejudice when caring for women and their families who may have different cultural beliefs and provide evidence-based information to allow women to make informed choices. | Improving perinatal mental health outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women: A perspective from a student midwife working in the London Borough of Barnet  |
| Laura Ventura, Francesca Semeraro, & Filomena Stile | Sexual health in young people is a relevant public health issue. Previous evidence has shown uneven knowledge about contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), an increasing use of the internet as a source of information, and a still limited role of schools and family counseling services. In this context, the present study aimed to assess university students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding contraception and STIs, with a focus on their level of awareness and on the main information sources used. A secondary aim was to identify the main areas in which information and prevention strategies for young people should be strengthened. A descriptive observational study was carried out on 335 first-year students enrolled in Health Professions at the University of Bari Aldo Moro. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire administered between 7 May 2025 and 9 October 2025. The findings showed a high perceived level of knowledge, but also relevant gaps in specific areas. A proportion of students did not recognize chlamydia, gonorrhea, and viral hepatitis as STIs. The internet was the most used source of information, whereas healthcare professionals were considered more reliable but were consulted less frequently. School was perceived as poorly reliable, and most students reported not having received sexual education. Family counseling services were rarely used. These findings highlight the need for structured and continuous sexual education, stronger integration with family counseling services, and targeted actions to promote safer sexual behaviors. | Knowledge and Perception of Contraception And Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Sample Survey Among Students at the University of Bari Aldo Moro  |
| Lila Weintraub & Kamil El | In 2024, the Health Equity and Anti-Racism (HEAR) Committee of the Pennsylvania Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (PA-ACNM) created a Maternal Innovation Scholarship to financially support Black midwifery students, making the two to four years of a Masters-level midwifery degree more achievable. We additionally developed the Ascending Black Midwife Retreat to facilitate rest and relationship-building among each cohort of scholars, augmenting professional support networks for new-to-practice Black midwives. Using these multiple levers (ie., funding, mentorship, restorative practices, community-building) our committee aims to fortify the Black midwifery workforce, ultimately as a means to increase patient access to racially-concordant care and decrease disparities in reproductive health outcomes. In our poster, we will describe the background and need for supporting Black midwifery workforce development. Further, we will detail the process of establishing the PA-ACNM Maternal Innovation Scholarship and the annual Ascending Black Midwife Retreat. Finally, we will highlight innovative aspects of the scholarship and retreat that we hope to continue at the state-level and to offer as a template for national expansion. | Ascending Black Midwives Retreat: Rest and relationship-building to rebuild the Black midwifery workforce |
| Lokesh Kumar Sharma | Background: Continuous companionship during childbirth improves maternal outcomes and satisfaction, yet companions are often inadequately prepared. Educational interventions are crucial for fostering supportive practices. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured educational package for birth companions. Methodology: A quantitative, quasi-experimental study was conducted in Lucknow with 100 mother-companion pairs, divided equally into an experimental group and a control group using purposive sampling. The experimental group received the educational package. Data on companion knowledge, attitude, practice, and maternal perception were collected pre- and post-intervention using validated tools. Analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and Chi-square tests. Result: Initially, both groups demonstrated predominantly inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed highly significant improvements across all metrics. Mean scores increased for companion knowledge (6.84 to 10.33), attitude (14.39 to 18.3), and practice (3.65 to 5.39). Consequently, mothers’ perception of support also improved significantly (5.03 to 7.27; 0.001). The control group showed no significant changes. Associations were found between several demographic variables and outcome scores. Conclusion: The educational package was highly effective in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice of birth companions, which significantly enhanced mother’s perception of support. This study confirms that targeted education is a valuable intervention to empower companions, thereby positively impacting the childbirth experience and reinforcing its role in maternal care. | Effectiveness of Educational Package Regarding Birth Companionship, Among Birth Companion and Mothers Admitted in Selected Hospital Lucknow |
| M.Menaka | Gamification is an effective and student-friendly teaching method used to improve learning outcomes in nursing education. This poster presents a “Snakes and Ladders”–based gamified approach to teach important concepts of maternal and child health to III GNM nursing students. The method converts routine classroom teaching into an interactive and enjoyable learning experience, helping students understand and remember concepts more effectively. A customized Snakes and Ladders board was prepared using key topics from obstetrics and neonatal care. In this activity, ladders represent good health practices such as antenatal care, proper nutrition, immunization, and safe institutional delivery, while snakes indicate risk factors like anemia, poor hygiene, lack of antenatal checkups, and unplanned pregnancy. Students were divided into small groups, and they played the game by rolling dice and moving across the board. Each step included discussion, answering questions, and clarification of concepts with the guidance of the teacher.The use of this method showed positive outcomes among III GNM students. It increased their interest and active participation in learning, improved understanding of maternal health concepts, and enhanced memory retention through visual and group-based learning. It also helped in developing teamwork and communication skills.However, the activity required proper planning, time, and teacher involvement. In conclusion, the Snakes and Ladders gamification approach is a simple, effective, and engaging teaching strategy that supports better learning among III GNM nursing students. | Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures – Safe Motherhood  |
| Miriana Marrone | The pursuit of pregnancy, whether spontaneous or through Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP), is a journey with profound emotional, psychological, and physiological implications. This research highlights how stress, limited access to support services, and insufficient psychological care can disproportionately affect women navigating infertility, underscoring critical issues of equity and accessibility in reproductive health. | Psychological impact of the search for pregnancy |
| Mutiara Dien Safitri & Indriana Widya Puspitasari | Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, while delivery in health facilities ensures safe childbirth through access to skilled health personnel and emergency obstetric services. However, disparities in resources, accessibility, and socio-cultural factors contribute to unequal coverage of ANC and facility-based delivery across regions in Indonesia. Objective: This study aims to identify differences in the coverage of ANC K4, ANC K6, and facility-based delivery to describe variations in maternal health service achievement and detect potential gaps between regions in the utilization of these services. Methods: This study used secondary data from the Indonesia Health Profile 2023. A descriptive approach was applied to summarize and present data on ANC coverage (ANC K4 and ANC K6) and delivery in health facilities across provinces in Indonesia. Results: The findings showed a V-shaped pattern across most provinces, with ANC K6 coverage consistently lower than ANC K4 and facility-based delivery. Nationally, the average coverage was 85.6% for ANC K4, 74.4% for ANC K6, and 87.2% for facility-based delivery, indicating that national targets have not yet been achieved. DKI Jakarta recorded the highest coverage, whereas Papua Pegunungan showed the lowest. Conclusion: Significant provincial disparities in maternal health service utilization remain in Indonesia, particularly between western and eastern regions. The gap between ANC K4 and ANC K6 highlights challenges in maintaining continuity of maternal care and the need for region-specific strategies. | Beyond Health Services: Midwives’ Insights on Disparities in ANC K4, ANC K6, and Facility-Based Delivery in Indonesia |
| Nabila Zuhdy | Virtual reality (VR) offers powerful immersive and interactive experiences that can significantly strengthen midwifery education and improve learning outcomes. This paper examines the implementation and future potential of VR in midwifery training, highlighting the importance of sustained adoption and development of VR strategies.A literature review was conducted on original English-language studies published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from PubMed, BMC, and ScienceDirect. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed under five key themes: current applications of VR in midwifery education, student engagement, impact on learning outcomes, challenges and limitations, and future prospects.The integration of VR transforms traditional teaching by bridging the gap between theory and practice. It allows students to repeatedly practice complex clinical scenarios and high-stakes procedures in a safe, risk-free environment. Evidence from the reviewed studies shows VR enhances student engagement, knowledge retention, spatial understanding, practical skills, confidence, and independent learning.The integration of VR transforms traditional teaching by bridging the gap between theory and practice. It allows students to repeatedly practice complex clinical scenarios and high-stakes procedures in a safe, risk-free environment. Evidence from the reviewed studies shows VR enhances student engagement, knowledge retention, spatial understanding, practical skills, confidence, and independent learning.By developing more competent and confident midwives, VR supports human rights in maternal care through safer, evidence-based, and respectful services. It helps address global midwife shortages and expands access to quality maternal care, particularly in underserved and low-resource settings.Although barriers such as high costs, technical issues, and potential side effects exist, these can be addressed through collaboration between educators and developers, the use of affordable VR tools, and robust pedagogical frameworks. Ultimately, VR should complement rather than replace traditional methods to create a more equitable and effective midwifery education system. | Implementation of virtual reality in midwifery education: Does it really work? |
| Nwogu Anne Chidinma & Dr. Ayisetu Audu | Background: The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) is used to assess women’s satisfaction with childbirth experiences. With an increase in its popularity, many studies have translated and validated the BSS-R in different languages and cultures. Aim: This review examined the validity and reliability of the translated versions of the BSS-R. Methods: A search was done across three research databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO essentials) to identify related studies. In addition, many manual searches were conducted on the reference lists of the identified studies. Only studies published within the past ten year period (2004-2024), in English language, in peer reviewed journals, and assessed the psychometric properties of translated BSS-R versions were considered. Relevant data were extracted using a form, and analyzed descriptively. Results: Eight studies involving 2,730 women from diverse countries (Turkey, Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Hungary) met the inclusion criteria. The confirmatory factor analysis consistently supported the three-factor structure of the BSS-R. Cross-cultural validity was generally high, with values ranging from 0.88-0.99 (Acceptable level; 0.85). A greater proportion of the studies (5 out of 8) reported internal consistency above 0.70 for the total scale, but there were mixed results in the internal consistency of the subscale domains. Stress Experienced (0.41-0.80) and Women’s Attributes (0.41-0.71) had inadequate internal consistency than Quality of Care (0.72-0.86). Conclusion: The BSS-R demonstrated a satisfactory validity across cultural contexts, supporting its widespread use for measuring birth satisfaction. The less optimal subscale internal consistency indicates a need for further research on BSS-R adaptation and validation | Cross-Cultural Validity and Reliability of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised: A Systematic Review |
| Siska Firdaus | Background: The intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective contraceptive method for women of childbearing age. One of the challenges in IUD insertion is the anxiety of prospective IUD acceptors. The anxiety can negatively impact the client’s comfort during the procedure. One effective non-pharmacological technique for reducing anxiety is the Slow Deep Breathing Technique (SDBT). This case report aims to determine the effect of the SDBT on reducing anxiety in prospective IUD acceptors at PMB Fittri in Palembang City – Indonesia in 2025. Methods: The research design used a case study with an Evidence-Based Case Report approach through a search of supporting articles from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Garuda Portal databases published between 2020-2025. The intervention was carried out in one case, namely Mrs. Y, a prospective IUD acceptor who showed signs of anxiety before the IUD insertion procedure. The intervention was given for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before the IUD insertion procedure. Measurement of anxiety levels was carried out using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed a decrease in anxiety levels from mild anxiety to no anxiety after the intervention. In addition, the results of the literature synthesis also support the effectiveness of the SDBT in reducing anxiety levels in prospective IUD acceptors. Conclusions: The Slow Deep Breathing Technique can be an alternative non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety in IUD acceptors. | Slow Deep Breathing Technique to Reduce Anxiety in IUD Contraceptive Acceptor Candidate : An Evidence-Based Case Report |
| Tahlia Johnson | Access to maternity models of care across Australia varies widely, influencing women’s experiences, continuity options, and opportunities for culturally safe care. For many women, publicly available online information is the first point of reference when seeking to understand their choices. Despite this, the consistency, clarity, and visibility of information about maternity models of care have not been systematically examined. This is particularly important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families, for whom culturally safe, community-connected care is essential. This presentation reports on a national mapping review of maternity models of care publicly stated on Australian hospital and health service websites. The review examined model type, stated features, eligibility criteria, referral pathways, and the presence and visibility of programs tailored for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and families. Content analysis was used to compare availability, distribution, and clarity of information across states and territories. Findings show substantial variation in the number, type, and description of maternity models of care across Australia. Continuity of carer models were inconsistently available, and information about eligibility, referral processes, and access pathways was often limited or unclear. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific programs were present in several jurisdictions but absent, inconsistently labelled, or difficult to identify in others, highlighting uneven national visibility of culturally safe care options. Publicly available information about maternity models of care remains highly variable across Australia. Strengthening the clarity, consistency, and visibility of this information, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific programs, may support more equitable access, | Access to Maternity Models of Care in Australia: National Mapping Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Specific Programs  |
| Zeenat Moromoke Abdulwahab | Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) remains an essential part of maternal survival plans in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Suboptimal antenatal education contributes to a significant delay in the recognition of obstetric danger signs and late care-seeking. Culturally tailored antenatal education packages have been increasingly used to improve BPCR, but there has been no systematic synthesis of evidence on their use across LMICs. Objective: To synthesise the evidence of the effectiveness of culturally appropriate antenatal education interventions on BPCR outcomes in pregnant women in LMICs. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar between 2015-2025. Eleven studies were found eligible, which included quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, and cohort studies undertaken in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Cameroon, Kenya, and Bangladesh. Data were extracted and appraised through the use of JBI tools. A narrative synthesis was implemented. Results: In the total of 11 studies, the effect of culturally appropriate antenatal education had a significant effect on knowledge of danger signs, birth preparedness, institutional delivery, and readiness for complications. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to substantial as improvements in BPCR ranged between 25% and 95%, improvement in knowledge by mobile-based education was found to be 85% and BPCR by 90% and improvements in institutional delivery from 53.5% to 93.5% by goal-oriented education. Strong predictors were early ANC, partner involvement, quality of counselling and frequency of attendance to ANC. Conclusion: Culturally tailored antenatal education packages have consistent beneficial effects on BPCR in LMICs. Culturally tailored antenatal education | Effectiveness of Culturally Appropriate Antenatal Education Packages to Improve Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review |
| Zuzana Laubmann | Birth plans are widely used to communicate parents’ wishes for labour and birth. Although they can support reflection and informed decision-making, traditional birth plans often function as static lists of preferences. In clinical environments, this format may unintentionally create misunderstandings or tension between parents’ expectations and the professional responsibilities of midwives. Research suggests that birth experiences are strongly influenced by whether women feel safe, heard, and able to maintain a sense of agency during labour. Individuals with previous negative or traumatic medical experiences may enter maternity care with heightened vulnerability, fear, or distrust. From a psychosomatic perspective, childbirth therefore represents not only a physiological process but also a complex interaction between emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. This poster presents a practice-informed guideline for trauma-sensitive birth plan developed through clinical work with clients. The guideline reframes the birth plan as a dialogical and relationship-oriented communication tool rather than a static document. It encourages parents to reflect not only on medical preferences but also on personal resources, coping strategies, potential triggers, and relational needs in communication with healthcare professionals. By supporting open dialogue and shared understanding, this approach aims to strengthen trust between parents and midwives while acknowledging the realities of clinical practice. The guideline may help reduce relational tensions, support realistic expectations, and promote emotional support and sense of agency during labour. Reframing birth plan can contribute to respectful, person-centred maternity care and support safe motherhood by strengthening communication, relational safety, and emotional wellbeing for both families and midwives. | Beyond Checklists: A Trauma-Sensitive Approach to Strengthen Trust Between Parents and Midwives  |
