Different methods have been proposed to screen for preterm labor and delivery; most of these aim to pre-dict the risk that preterm delivery is going to take place. However, interesting though this knowledge might be, ...Different methods have been proposed to screen for preterm labor and delivery; most of these aim to pre-dict the risk that preterm delivery is going to take place. However, interesting though this knowledge might be, knowing the future is of no use when no changes can be made. Recent publications have suggested new and exciting modalities to actually diminish the frequency of preterm birth in patients selected by transvaginal cervical length measurement; these modalities include vaginal progesterone and vaginal pessaries. Although promising, many questions remain to be answered; not least about the long term outcome for both neonates and mothers, but also on the eventual introduction of such strategies to the general obstetric population. One of the main problems that urgently needs clarifcation is how we are going to offer this best of medicine to those needing it most: deprived and socially isolated women who have the highest risk for preterm laborand delivery, probably not due to any congenital cervi-cal problems, but to a combination of environmental, microbiological and social factors, including transgen-erational poverty and deprivation.展开更多
AIM To explore the birth experiences of teenage fathers and determine the extent to which they are prepared for childbirth.METHODS A mixed methods observational study was undertaken comparing the birth experience of 5...AIM To explore the birth experiences of teenage fathers and determine the extent to which they are prepared for childbirth.METHODS A mixed methods observational study was undertaken comparing the birth experience of 50 fathers in the setting of teenage pregnancy(teenage) compared to a group of 50 older fathers. Fathers were recruited in the antenatal period and completed structured questionnaires following the birth of their child. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was undertaken.RESULTS Teenage fathers were younger, less educated and less likely to attend prenatal childbirth education classes(P < 0.0001). During birth, they were less prepared and consulted by attending staff(both P < 0.05). They reported limited roles in intrapartum decision-making(< 20%). In multivariate analysis being a father in the setting of teenage pregnancy remained significantly associated with feeling unprepared for birth. The major themes in qualitative analysis were feeling unprepared,shock, fear, a sense of detachment, happiness, pride, love of the baby and satisfaction with fertility.CONCLUSION Teenage fathers are less prepared for the birth of their child and this results in shock, fear and detachment that may impact on the early father-infant relationship.展开更多
文摘Different methods have been proposed to screen for preterm labor and delivery; most of these aim to pre-dict the risk that preterm delivery is going to take place. However, interesting though this knowledge might be, knowing the future is of no use when no changes can be made. Recent publications have suggested new and exciting modalities to actually diminish the frequency of preterm birth in patients selected by transvaginal cervical length measurement; these modalities include vaginal progesterone and vaginal pessaries. Although promising, many questions remain to be answered; not least about the long term outcome for both neonates and mothers, but also on the eventual introduction of such strategies to the general obstetric population. One of the main problems that urgently needs clarifcation is how we are going to offer this best of medicine to those needing it most: deprived and socially isolated women who have the highest risk for preterm laborand delivery, probably not due to any congenital cervi-cal problems, but to a combination of environmental, microbiological and social factors, including transgen-erational poverty and deprivation.
文摘AIM To explore the birth experiences of teenage fathers and determine the extent to which they are prepared for childbirth.METHODS A mixed methods observational study was undertaken comparing the birth experience of 50 fathers in the setting of teenage pregnancy(teenage) compared to a group of 50 older fathers. Fathers were recruited in the antenatal period and completed structured questionnaires following the birth of their child. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was undertaken.RESULTS Teenage fathers were younger, less educated and less likely to attend prenatal childbirth education classes(P < 0.0001). During birth, they were less prepared and consulted by attending staff(both P < 0.05). They reported limited roles in intrapartum decision-making(< 20%). In multivariate analysis being a father in the setting of teenage pregnancy remained significantly associated with feeling unprepared for birth. The major themes in qualitative analysis were feeling unprepared,shock, fear, a sense of detachment, happiness, pride, love of the baby and satisfaction with fertility.CONCLUSION Teenage fathers are less prepared for the birth of their child and this results in shock, fear and detachment that may impact on the early father-infant relationship.