Effect of Midwifery Care for the Bladder in Labour - Dissertation Example

Women have a risk increased in becoming incontinent (Ueda, Tamaki, Kageyama, et al., 2000; Nelson, Fumer, Jesudason, et al., 2001).

            Pregnancy and postpartum women are a special group with a high prevalence of UI. Pregnancy-associated UI is considered as a transient condition in lieu of changes in the body of the pregnant woman, which “includes fluctuating hormonal levels, increased urine production and changes in the position and relations of pelvic structures in relation to the enlarging uterus occurring during gestation” (Lapitan, 2009, p. 4 -5). On the other hand, postpartum UI is attributed to the changes in the pelvic floor anatomy after childbirth. This condition is believed to be persistent among women (O’Connell, Hannah, Bailey, et al., 2002). In effect, there are sufficient studies supporting the claim that there is a prevalence of UI among pregnant women and women, in general (O’Connell, et al., 2002; Peake & Menderson, 2003; Samuelsson, Victor & Tibblin, 1997).  

            In the face of this reality, the significant role of midwives in determining the extent of UI of pregnant women is essential in preparing and providing the necessary care that pregnant women need as they undergo physiological and social changes inherent in pregnancy. Although UI is not life-threatening, studies have shown it contributes to a diminished quality of life (Lapitan, 2009; Wagg et al., 2007). In this regard, gaining an understanding of how midwives view incontinence in relation to pregnancy and labor provides a foundation with which response to the problem of UI can be framed. As such, this research will be dealing with midwives’ perceptions pertinent to bladder care.

Background of the Study
              Pregnancy is a complex physiological and social event. However, the increasing intervention of medical technology and medical intervention in pregnancy have contributed to the medicalization of pregnancy. Although the medicalization of pregnancy has reduced significantly the maternal mortality rate, there is now an increasing question regarding its necessity in terms of normal labor (Johanson, Newburn & Mcfarlane, 2002). The need for an approach to pregnancy and birth not only from the perspective of physiology but also from the view of the person – the pregnant woman- is increasingly gaining ground. In other words, the call for being woman-centered in pregnancy and labor has become one of the most viable options for women in their care preferences during their pregnancy (Johanson et al., 2002).

            In this condition, midwives play an integral role in providing pregnant women the option of being taken care of in the manner that they deemed best for themselves. This does not deny that the current context of midwives as they perform their functions is also within the purview of medical technology (Hunter, 2002). However, contemporary midwives are not just working within the parameters of medical technology and physiology.