Maternal and Newborn Nursing: Foundation Guide

Maternal and newborn nursing combines health promotion, pregnancy assessment, labor support, postpartum care, newborn assessment, breastfeeding support, and recognition of complications.

Antenatal Care

Routine antenatal care includes history, maternal observations, fetal assessment, nutrition, screening, education, and identification of risk factors.

Pregnancy Warning Signs

Urgent assessment may be needed for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, seizures, severe headache with visual symptoms, reduced fetal movement, severe shortness of breath, or other concerning changes.

Labor

Nurses and midwives monitor maternal condition, fetal well-being, contraction pattern, progress, pain, hydration, emotional needs, and signs of complication according to local protocols.

Postpartum Care

Assess bleeding, uterine tone, pain, vital signs, bladder function, mobility, wound or perineal status, emotional well-being, and feeding support.

Newborn Priorities

Support warmth, airway and breathing, feeding, identification, infection prevention, safe sleep education, and recognition of jaundice, poor feeding, temperature instability, or respiratory distress.

Breastfeeding Support

Support positioning, latch, feeding frequency, maternal comfort, and recognition of feeding difficulties. Respect informed maternal choices and local guidance.