Definition of Midwifery Nursing

Definition

Midwifery is the art and science, its caring for woman undergoing pregnancy, labour and the following child birth.

Normal Pregnancy

Normal pregnancy involves a continuous process. It is divided into three trimesters.

·  I trimester - 0-12 weeks (3 months)

·  II trimester - 13-24 weeks (4-6 months)

·  III trimester - 25 to till delivery (7-10 months)

I trimester events

·  Fertilization occurs

·  Fetilized egg (Zygote) develops into a hollow ball of cells called the blastocyst

·  The aminotic sac begins to form

·  Brain and spinal cord (neural tube) begins to develop

·  The heart and major blood vessels begins to develop

·  Arms and legs begins to appear

·  Bones and muscles form

·  Kidneys begin to function

·  Almost all organs are completely formed

II trimester events

·  Fetus sex can be identified

·  Fetus moves, the mother can felt (Quickening)

·  Hair appears on the skin and head

·  Eyebrows and eyelashes are present

·  Placenta fully formed

·  The woman gain more weight

III trimester events

·  The fetus is active, often changing positions

·  The lungs continue to mature

The fetus head moves into position for delivery