New Insights into Obstetrics, Midwifery and Perinatal Nursing

Dear Colleagues,

Despite many years of research and enormous progress in obstetrics, midwifery and gynecology, many women still suffer from dysfunctional labor. A correct, undisturbed course of pregnancy and childbirth guarantees the reduction of possible maternal and fetal complications. In addition, the use of modern obstetric techniques in accordance with the latest guidelines allows for a significant shortening of labor and significantly accelerates the recovery of the mother after delivery. Undergoing pathological labor may have a negative impact not only on the newborn baby, but also may greatly impair the quality of life and affect the quality of the sex sphere of patients. Moreover, dysfunctional labor can strongly affect psychological comfort, and may even increase the risk of postnatal depression. At present, over 20% of pregnant women undergo labor induction, and almost half requires ripening agents due to unfavorable cervix. There are many methods for the pre-induction and induction of labor. However, which cervical ripening method is superior remains to be elucidated, in consideration of safety and efficacy. Therefore, an individualized approach to patients is extremely important. The choice of the method of induction and pre-induction of labor, taking into account the burdens of the mother and the current condition of the fetus, makes it possible to conduct labor in the most safe and effective way, which significantly shortens the duration of labor and reduces the percentage of cesarean sections. Obstetric procedures are an additional factor that significantly influences the success of vaginal delivery. The use of routinely mutilating procedures such as an episiotomy without significant obstetric indications dramatically extends the recovery period and adversely affects the patient’s quality of life after delivery.

This Special Issue focuses on the proper course of labor, induction of labor, pre-induction of labor and obstetric procedures. In addition, it focuses on the selection of the safest methods that significantly shorten the time of labor, improve the quality of labor and the recovery period postpartum. Obstetric algorithms, midwifery procedures and perinatal care seem to be crucial in women’s future quality of life. New research papers, reviews and conference papers are welcome to this Issue. Papers dealing with new approaches to derive proper pathways to ensure a better quality of labor induction and reduce the percentage of cesarean deliveries are welcome, as are publications on the care of pregnant patients.

Dr. Maciej W. Socha
Guest Editor

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• labor
• induction of labor
• women’s health
• quality of life
• perinatal
• nursing
• cervical ripening
• sexual medicine