54Membrane sweep Membrane sweeping or stripping is thought to increase the probability of physiological onset of labour by encouraging the local release of prostaglandin. Evidence suggests that the process of…

63Recognising deterioration in 
the neonate Early recognition of the unwell and/or deteriorating neonate is essential to ensure a timely referral, diagnosis, treatment and management to prevent problems that can lead…

57Recognising the deteriorating woman The most recent confidential enquiries into maternal death in the UK have identified that practitioners fail to recognise the deteriorating woman. This has far reaching consequences…

55Insertion of vaginal prostaglandin E2 Approximately 1 in 5 labours are induced in the UK. Induction of labour can be a very frightening time for women and partner. The midwife…

53Use of a vaginal speculum and taking a vaginal swab The vaginal speculum has been in use for over 2000 years. It is used for both obstetric and gynaecological examinations….

52Taking a wound swab The principles of specimen collection are set out in Chapter 51. A wound swab is required if there is a clinical suspicion that infection is present. ‘Just…

56Artificial rupture of membranes Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) is one of the most commonly performed midwifery procedures. The argument often given in favour of ARM is that of ‘speeding…

51Specimen collection – stool specimen Specimens are taken to support decision making with regard to treatment; in maternity care common specimens include blood, urine, faeces, sputum and wound, umbilical or…

48Cord blood and neonatal capillary blood sampling Cord blood is a sample of blood taken at birth from a baby’s umbilical cord. It is not a requirement to obtain cord…