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School of Nursing & Midwifery

MW7058 Midwifery Practice: Pathophysiology and Unexpected Outcomes (15 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

Following completion of this module, midwifery students will be able to:

  • Display confidence in recognising physiological patterns of progression in pregnancy, labour and the puerperium;
  • Discuss conditions that are considered to be outside the parameters of midwifery practice;
  • Discuss pathophysiological patterns of pre-existing disease progression in pregnancy, labour and the puerperium;
  • Relate the progression of disease to its potential impact on pregnancy, labour and the puerperium;
  • Discuss the role of the midwife in the care of women experiencing pre-existing pathophysiologies and unexpected deviations from physiological processes;
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide competent midwifery care for women experiencing pre-existing pathophysiologies and unexpected deviations from physiological processes;
  • Display the ability to access and source prompt and appropriate aid when deviations from physiological processes are diagnosed;
  • Reason and justify the decisions made in achieving a range of diagnoses;
  • Discuss the role and responsibility of the midwife in relation to the use of pharmacological preparations in the care of women experiencing pre-existing pathophysiologies and unexpected deviations from physiological processes;
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others as a valuable team member;
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with others in all aspects of midwifery care and practice;
  • Display an awareness of the boundaries of the midwifery profession.

Unit 2
Following completion of this module, midwifery students will be able to:

  • Critically discuss the role of the midwife in the care of women experiencing unexpected deviations from physiological processes;
  • Display the ability to access and source prompt and appropriate aid when deviations from physiological processes are diagnosed;
  • Reason and justify the decisions made in achieving a range of diagnoses;
  • Display an awareness of the boundaries of the midwifery profession.
  • Demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations;
  • Demonstrate the ability to participate in emergency situations in a professional manner;
  • Demonstrate appropriate skills and actions in emergency situations (real or simulated);
  • Critically discuss the role and responsibility of the midwife in relation to the use of common pharmacological preparations in emergency situations and access information on preparations that are less common;
  • Critically discuss the role and decision making skills of the midwife in relation to the diagnosis and management of general and obstetric emergencies;
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others as a valuable team member;
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with others in all aspects of midwifery care and practice.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

Practice in the early part of the programme focuses on midwifery students developing and acquiring practice skills at a core level in normal midwifery care.  However, the reality of the dynamic and complex nature of midwifery practice means that students will be exposed to pathological issues and emergency situations and will learn how to respond appropriately to the most frequent unexpected outcomes. This module consists of two units.

Unit 1: Pathophysiology The aim of this unit is to build on students’ experiences in practice and their knowledge of physiology so that the impact of pre-existing pathophysiology and the development of unexpected outcomes is recognised promptly. It is recognised that this module and its outcomes are inextricably linked to the module ‘Core Midwifery Practice Adaptations to Pregnancy’. The development of decision making and diagnostic skills as well as the utilisation of support and preventative measures are critical/crucial to the process of becoming confident and competent practitioners. This unit also introduces midwifery students to the complexity of midwifery practice and provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide life support, midwifery support and access appropriate help in the most frequently occurring emergency situations.

Unit 2: Aim and Rationale During the programme, midwifery students will have been exposed to and cared for women and babies experiencing unexpected outcomes as well as regular and ongoing practice experience of physiological processes. Midwifery students also will have had the opportunity to experience a range of placements in gynaecological and other areas. This will have facilitated the deepening of knowledge and begin the development of decision making and diagnostic skills. During latter part of the programme, midwifery students will have the opportunity to refine and develop these skills further so that they continue the process of becoming confident and competent practitioners.

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

  • American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association (2011) Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, 6th edn. American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association,USA.
  • Billington M. & Stevenson M. (2007) Critical Care in Childbearing for Midwives. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
  • Boyle M. (ed.) (2002) Emergencies around Childbirth: a Handbook for Midwives. Radcliffe, Oxford.
  • Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) (2011) Saving mothers’ lives: reviewing maternal deaths to make motherhood safer: 2006-2008. The eighth report on confidential enquiries into maternal death in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 118 (Suppl. 1), 1-203.
  • Chapman V.  & Charles, C. (eds.) (2009) The Midwife’s Labour and Birth Handbook, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
  • Fraser D.M. & Cooper M.A. (eds.) (2009) Myles Textbook for Midwives, 15th edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  • Henderson C. & Magill-Cuerden J., (eds.) (2011) Mayes’ Midwifery.  A Textbook for Midwives, 14th edn. Balliere Tindall, London.
  • Knight M, Kenyon S, Brocklehurst P, Neilson J, Shakespeare J, Kurinczuk JJ (Eds.) on behalf of MBRRACE-UK. Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care - Lessons learned to inform future maternity care from the UK and Ireland Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity 2009–12. Oxford: National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford 2014.
  • Marshall J. & Raynor M. Boyle M. (eds.) (2002) Emergencies around Childbirth: a Handbook for Midwives. Radcliffe, Oxford.
  • Marshall J.E. & Raynor M.D. (eds.) (2010) Advancing Skills in Midwifery Practice. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Edinburgh.
  • Robson S.E. & Waugh J., (eds) (2008) Medical Disorders in Pregnancy. A Manual for Midwives. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
  • Stables D. & Rankin J. (eds.) (2010) Physiology in Childbearing: With Anatomy and Related Biosciences, 3rd edn. Bailliere Tindall, Edinburgh.
  • Wylie L. & Bryce H. (2008) The Midwives’ Guide to Key Medical Conditions: Pregnancy and Childbirth. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

Additional Reading

  • Arias F. (2009) Practical Guide to High Risk Pregnancy and Delivery. Mosby Year Book, Chicago.


* Additional readings will be given for each unit of learning.