Question 1

What services can certified nurse midwives provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide care to women from puberty throughout menopause. We can do it all, from prescribing birth control for contraception or irregular vaginal bleeding to delivering babies to prescribing hormone replacement therapy for menopause.

Question 2

Who are the obstetrical candidates for midwifery care?

Accepted Answer

Usually…. 
Patients with no significant medical or obstetrical conditions. 
Singleton Pregnancy (no twins or triplets)
No previous C-Sections
Baby is head down (no breech babies)
Term pregnancy

However, if the Certified Nurse Midwife is in a practice with OB/GYNs, they may see some higher risk patients. The OB/GYNs are available for consulting and collaborating. Also, if a referral is needed for higher care, it‘s a smooth process since they are in the same office.

Question 3

What is EDD or EDC? How is it configured?

Accepted Answer

Estimated Due Date or Estimated Date of Confinement

It is configured by your LMP (last menstrual period) Take the FIRST day of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP), add 7 days, subtract 3 months, add 1 year. 
If you have irregular periods, it is likely that your EDD will be based on your first trimester ultrasound.

Question 4

What is the routine schedule for prenatal visits?

Accepted Answer

Plan to see your OB provider every 4 weeks until you reach 28 weeks, that will conclude the 2nd trimester. Starting the 3rd trimester, plan for every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. After 36 weeks, expect to go every week until delivery. If have a medical diagnosis that deems your pregnancy HIGH RISK, expect to see your provider more frequently, in addition, to seeing a specialist, known as a Perinatologist or Maternal Fetal Specialist.

Question 5

What is considered preterm, term, and post-term?

Accepted Answer

1. Preterm - before 37 weeks
2. Term - from 37.0 - 41.6 weeks
3. Postterm - 42 weeks and beyond

Question 6

What topics should I discuss at my prenatal visits?

Accepted Answer

Diet, Exercise, Medications that could be taken during pregnancy, Medications that should be avoided, Birth Plans, Any questions, comments, or concerns.

Question 7

When should I go to Labor and Delivery?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal BLEEDING... not spotting. You may see spotting after intercourse or a vaginal exam. However, you should never see FRANK BLEEDING.
If you think your ”water broke”… It could be a big gush or a small trickle, if it is constantly coming out, it’s best to go be evaluated. Your PROTECTION from INFECTION is gone when your diminished when your water breaks.
Decreased Fetal Movement. You know whats normal for your baby. When your baby is most active, he or she should move at least 10 times in 2 hours. If the movements decrease, drink some cold water or something with some sugar, lie down in a quiet room, focus and count the movements. If the baby do not move in the next 45 mins to an hour, head to Labor and Delivery.
Abdominal Trauma - Whether a fall or Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA), if you hit your stomach on something, you need to be evaluated. 
Regular, Painful Contractions - 511 Rule - If contractions are every 5 minutes, lasting at least 1 minute, for at least 1 hour, consider going to be evaluated. If you are planning for natural child birth, I would advise to labor at home as long as you can. 
PreEclampsia - If you have been diagnosed with preE, and you start having headaches, dizziness,  visual disturbances, and/or notice your blood pressure is elevated (SBP >140, DBP > 90). If you have never been diagnosed and you notice your BP is elevated, if mildly elevated a couple of times, let your provider know at your next visit. If severely elevated (SBP >160, DBP 110), report to Labor & Delivery to be evaluated. 
YOUR INTUITION - IF YOUR GUT SAYS GO, GO!!!!

Question 8

What's the 5-1-1?

Accepted Answer

Contractions are 5 mins or less apart, each contraction is lasting at least 1 minute, and they have been happening for at least 1 hour.  I would add that the contractions should make you uncomfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions