Exploring midwifery role and scope in acute early pregnancy care: a survey of midwives and midwifery students in Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The scope of practice of the contemporary midwife encompasses a range of sexual and reproductive healthcare, including care throughout pregnancy. Midwives are experts in pregnancy care, but many do not provide care for women with unexpected (acute) complications in early pregnancy (< 20 weeks) in Australia. Women experiencing acute pregnancy complications < 20 weeks usually attend an emergency department rather than a maternity unit. These settings do not typically employ midwives and may not meet women's need for timely and informed physical care and psychosocial support. A gap in evidence exists in relation to the role and scope of practice of the midwife in acute early pregnancy care provision in Australia.

Methods

Midwives and midwifery students in Australia w

SUBMITTER: Freeman N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12004735 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature