Aim: Perineal pain in primiparous women is a condition that can adversely affect the mother and, therefore, the newborn in the postpartum period. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on perineal pain after episiotomy in the early postpartum period.Material and Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial and was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 at a university hospital in Türkiye. The study was conducted with 60 primiparous participants who had undergone episiotomy in the 3rd and 5th hour of early postpartum. Participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form and the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (SF-MPQ).Results: While the SF-MPQ scores of the acupressure and control groups were similar before application, the pain was less in the acupressure group after application (p<0.001). While a slight decrease in the SF-MPQ score was observed in the control group over time, a more pronounced decline was observed in the experimental group (p<0.001).Conclusion: Acupressure applied to primiparous women with episiotomy can be an effective non-pharmacological method of reducing perineal pain.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of postpartum mood education on maternity blues and postpartum depression among primiparous mothers. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 146 primiparous women were randomly assigned to intervention (education) or control groups. Data were collected using the Maternity Blues Scale (MBS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: The intervention and control groups were largely comparable in sociodemographic characteristics; however, significant differences were observed in education level and employment status. No significant differences were found between groups in MBS and EPDS mean item scores (p > 0.05). However, mean scores of the MBS responsibility and socioeconomic subdimensions were lower in the education group (p < 0.05), while the Breastfeeding subdimension score was higher (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Postpartum mood education did not influence overall maternity blues at one week or postpartum depression at 6 weeks. Nevertheless, improvements in subdimensions suggest that education may reduce responsibility and socioeconomic stress while enhancing breastfeeding experiences. From a holistic nursing perspective, these findings indicate that postpartum mood education may contribute to person-centered care. Grounded in Watson's Human Caring Theory, the study highlights the potential of integrating mood education into discharge practices to advance holistic nursing practice.

AIM:This study was performed to test the validity and reliability of the translated Turkish version of the Perceived Control in Childbirth Scale (PCCh) and the Satisfaction with Childbirth Scale (SWCh) in Turkish women. BACKGROUND:Childbirth control and childbirth satisfaction are interrelated issues, which are extremely important for improving childbirth environments. However, although there are several birth satisfaction scales in Turkey, there is no tool to measure the perception of control during birth. METHODS:This study was conducted with the participation of 320 individuals using a cross-sectional and descriptive design. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the PCCh, the SWCh and, as a parallel form, the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised. Factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and item-total score correlation tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS:The Turkish form of the PCCh consisted of 12 items and two dimensions that explained 58% of the total variance in the measured variable. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale in Turkish was found to be 0.90. The Turkish form of the SWCh consisted of seven items and a single dimension that explained 74% of the total variance in the measured variable. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale in Turkish was found to be 0.94. CONCLUSIONS:The PCCh and the SWCh are valid and reliable instruments for measuring perceived control in childbirth and satisfaction with childbirth in Turkish women.

Background Upper back pain, lower back pain, and pelvic girdle pain are common problems during pregnancy. There is limited research in Turkey on their prevalence and associated factors. Aim This study aims to determine the frequency of upper back, lower back, and pelvic girdle pain occurring in the second half of pregnancy and its associated factors. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted on 515 pregnant women between December 2019 and May 2020. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and the pelvic girdle questionnaire. Findings The study included 515 pregnant women. The mean age was 28.31 ± 3.86 years, and the mean gestational age was 32.78 ± 5.41 weeks. Of the participants, 2.7% reported upper back pain, 22.3% reported lower back pain, and 59% reported pelvic girdle pain. The mean pain score for those with upper back pain was 56.66 ± 30.11; for lower back pain, it was 48.19 ± 18.44; and for pelvic girdle pain was 10.60 ± 7.69. Maternal characteristics, including age, education level, employment status, smoking status, regular exercise, parity, gravidity, and gestational age, were significantly important determinants of pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy. Conclusion More than half of pregnant women reported PGP. The prevalence of PGP was higher than that of upper and lower back pain. Specific maternal sociodemographic characteristics influenced PGP during pregnancy.

Background: This study aimed to explore midwives' experiences, perceptions, and recommendations concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The study was conducted in public hospitals and maternity units across Türkiye. Seventeen midwives with direct experience in postpartum hemorrhage management participated in the study. Data were collected through individual interviews and were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Verbatim transcripts were coded, categorized, and synthesized into overarching themes. Results: Five main themes emerged: (1) clinical preparedness and response capacity, (2) health system and access barriers, (3) team dynamics and crisis management, (4) training and policy gaps, and (5) facilitative strategies. Midwives reported challenges such as equipment shortages, delays in accessing physicians, and role ambiguity during emergencies. They also emphasized training needs, inadequate antenatal education, and weak family planning policies. Conversely, facilitators such as hemorrhage kits, planned blood reserves, and mentorship from experienced staff were perceived as valuable in strengthening care. Conclusion: Midwives play a pivotal role in the early recognition and management of PPH. However, systemic barriers and limited professional authority frequently hinder timely interventions. Strengthening midwives’ competencies through regular simulation-based training, ensuring the availability of essential resources, and strengthening midwifery roles within health policies can improve the prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage and promote maternal safety. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background:In the early-subacute postpartum period, low-back pain is common due to frequent breastfeeding, suboptimal feeding postures, and increasing infant-carrying load, yet it often receives limited clinical attention. Objective:To examine whether acupressure at postpartum weeks 1 and 4 reduces low-back pain after cesarean delivery. Design:Prospective, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Participant/provider blinding was not feasible for a manual intervention; data analysis was blinded. Participants:Post-cesarean women (n=70) attending routine visits at a family health center in northwest Türkiye were randomized 1:1 to acupressure (n=35) or control (n=35). Intervention:A 10-minute standardized protocol per visit: LI4, HT2, LI11, and ST36 applied bilaterally in sequence (1 minute per side), and GB21 and UB43 applied bilaterally and simultaneously (1 minute per pair). Controls received usual care. Primary Outcome Measures:Visual analog scale (VAS) low-back pain at each visit (pre/post within the acupressure arm; a single, visit-matched assessment in controls). Nonparametric analyses were prespecified. Results:Immediately following the intervention, back pain in the acupressure group was less compared to the control group in the first and fourth weeks postpartum (P < .001). Across the postpartum window, the pattern was clear: in the control group, pre-session VAS increased from week 1 to week 4 (P < .001), reflecting the common trend of worsening back pain over time. In the acupressure group, VAS decreased immediately from pre- to post-session at both visits (P < .001 at week 1 and week 4), indicating consistent, session-linked relief. Conclusion:A brief, standardized acupressure protocol delivered during routine postpartum care provides immediate relief to low-back pain after cesarean and appears feasible as a nonpharmacologic adjunct to usual care. Key limitations include the absence of a sham control, short follow-up without durability assessment, and no measurement of analgesic use; future trials should address these gaps. Keywords:acupressure, back pain, cesarean section, postpartum period, women.

BACKGROUND:Various reasons stemming from direct vaccine concerns, individual factors, and sociocultural and environmental factors contribute to vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women regarding COVID-19 vaccines. AIMS:The study described and compare pregnant women's perspectives on COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic and to identify barriers and facilitators. FINDINGS:A mixed-methods research design was adopted to integrate quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods. At a state hospital in the western region of Turkey, 249 pregnant women attending the maternity clinic from March to August 2022 were surveyed using questionnaires, and in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 17 of them. The interview topics were based on the participants' perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, using quantitative purposive sampling to describe and compare their COVID-19 vaccination status and qualitative purposive sampling to identify their hesitations regarding COVID-19 vaccines, analyzed through content analysis. Reporting followed the GRAMMS guidelines. DISCUSSION:Sixty-six percent of pregnant women had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Those with advanced age, lower education levels, and lower income exhibited higher levels of vaccine hesitancy. The hesitations of pregnant women toward COVID-19 vaccines revealed three main themes: direct vaccine-related hesitation, hesitation arising from individual factors, and hesitation stemming from socio-cultural and environmental factors. CONCLUSION:Vaccine hesitancy, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a significant cause for concern. This hesitancy was explained by three main themes: vaccine hesitancy arising from the vaccine itself, vaccine hesitancy due to individual factors, and vaccine hesitancy stemming from socio-cultural and environmental factors. Additionally, sub-themes such as perceptions related to the management of the vaccination program, personal and infant-related risk-benefit assessments, the influence of anti-vaccine activists on social media, and political factors were also identified as playing a significant role in vaccine hesitancy.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the level of postpartum depression and related factors in women who gave birth during the COVID-19 epidemic. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was carried out between January and April 2021 with 351 participants. Data collection instruments included an information form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: The average age of the participants was 28.37±6.74. The number of pregnancies was 2.68±1.48. Primary school graduates were 47.3%, and 92% were not working. 7% of the participants had an EPDS cut-off score of 10 or above. A difference was found between the groups in terms of education level, smoking, COVID-19 experience relative to COVID-19 status and CAS and OCS score average (p

PURPOSE:This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of delivery room midwives on delayed cord clamping (DCC).METHOD:This descriptive study was conducted with a total of 1,274 delivery room midwives from five regions of Turkey between February 9, 2021 and September 26, 2022. The data were collected using a Google survey form.RESULTS:The highest cord clamping times of midwives ranged from 0 to 10 seconds in term and preterm newborns (34.7% and 54.8%, respectively). The rates of applying DCC were 17.6% and 5.3% in term and preterm newborns, respectively. Dealing with the mother, having a workload, considering that the newborn would have respiratory distress and get cold, preventing polycythemia and hyperbilirubinemia, and being afraid of dropping the newborn were the most common reasons for midwives not to apply DCC to newborns. The majority of the midwives reported that they had no DCC protocol in their institution (80.5%) and did not receive in-service training on DCC (76.5%).CONCLUSION:This study has concluded that most midwives who do not apply DCC correctly, have quite short cord clamping times, have no DCC protocol in their institutions, and do not receive in-service training.

In the study, we aimed to determine the effect of pregnant women's status of receiving preconception care on their pregnancy stress. This is a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design study, we were conducted with the participation of 409 pregnant women between June-December 2019. The Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale total score mean was found to be 30.72 +/- 20.26. Individuals who received medication and vitamins as part of preconceptional care had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) compared to those who did not receive them for total pregnancy stress, postpartum social support, infant health, and infant identity-care stress. Similarly, individuals who received medical treatment and regular checkups had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05) compared to those who did not for total pregnancy stress, postpartum social support, infant identity-care, body image and psychological state during pregnancy stress scores. In addition, individuals who maintained a healthy lifestyle had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) compared to others for infant health, infant identity-care, and psychological distress during pregnancy. It was determined that women who made preparations for their pregnancy experienced more stress related to their babies (baby's health, baby's identity and care), psychological status in pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal social support, and body image.

Background Violence against women is a global public health problem. Primary healthcare services and health workers play an important role in managing this problem. The aim was to identify barriers and facilitators to the identification and management of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women presenting to primary healthcare services from the perspective of nurses/midwives, and to identify the challenges and needs to improve practices. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study, in which semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 nurses/midwives working in primary healthcare services. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach through an inductive process. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used to ensure comprehensive reporting of the protocol for this qualitative study. Results Four main themes were identified: (1) detection of intimate partner violence, (2) nurses’/midwives’ current practices, (3) barriers to identification and management, and (4) needs. Conclusions Primary care nurses/midwives in this study perceived that they were not responsible for the detection and management of intimate partner violence, and a majority reported they did not want to take an active role. However, those who were willing to engage in the detection and management of IPV required sufficient time for patient consultations, a reduced workload and a separate room with suitable physical conditions. It is recommended that nurses/midwives be provided with training on IPV detection and management at specific intervals, and studies be conducted to evaluate the outcomes of such training, and initiate the professional decision-making process of nurses/midwives to effectively identify, respond to and support individuals affected by IPV.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practices of Turkish women about traditional practices regarding postpartum placenta and umbilical cord. Method: This descriptive study was conducted with a total of 1,569 women from five regions in Turkey, who were selected by stratified random sampling method, between October 2021 and June 2022. The data were collected using a Google survey. Results: Although the most common practice of the participants was to bury the placenta and umbilical cord, the number of people who wanted to do lotus birth and art with placenta and umbilical cord in the future was also quite high. There were also regional differences between practices (p

Objective: Postpartum period is a significant period that covers approximately 6 weeks after childbirth, progresses with various symptoms, and affects the life of the woman. The study was conducted in order to test the validity and reliability of the Postpartum Symptom Inventory (PSI-20). Methods: The study was conducted on 310 participants with a descriptive, cross-sectional, and methodological design. The study data were collected through Identifying Information Form, Postpartum Symptom Inventory, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as a parallel form. In the analysis of the data, factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and item-total score correlations were used. Results: The scale consisted of 20 items under 6 subscales with a variance of 71%. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the Turkish version of the scale was 0.86. According to split-half test reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the first and second halves were found to be 0.71 and 0.73, respectively, Guttman split-half coefficient was 0.94, and the correlation coefficient between the halves was determined as 0.88. According to confirmatory factor analysis, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation Index (RMSEA) 0.072, Goodness of Fit index (GFI) value was 0.89, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) value was 0.94, Relative Fit Index (RFI) was 0.89, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) was 0.94, and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) value was found as 0.93. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that the Turkish version of the Postpartum Symptom Inventory (PSI-20) was a valid and reliable tool in order to measure postpartum symptoms in Turkish women.

Objective: Postpartum uterus pain while breastfeeding is a situation that can affect mother-infant bonding negatively and is a matter of concern for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of acupressure application in reducing postpartum uterus pain during breastfeeding. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out at a maternity hospital in northwestern Turkey between March and August 2022. The sample of the study included 125 multiparous women who were in the 6th to 24th hours after vaginal delivery. The participants were randomly divided into acupressure and control groups. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate postpartum uterine pain. Results: While the VAS scores of the acupressure and control groups were similar before breastfeeding, the scores of the acupressure group at the 10th and 20th minutes of breastfeeding were lower (respectively, p = 0.038 and p = 0.011). In the intragroup comparisons, compared to their values before breastfeeding, the pain score of the acupressure group decreased at a statistically highly significant degree at the 20th minute of breastfeeding (p<0.001), whereas the score of the control group increased at a statistically highly significant degree at the 10th and 20th minutes (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was concluded that acupressure can be an effective nonpharmacological method in reducing uterus pain while breastfeeding in the postpartum period.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected societies and individuals in all aspects, including mental and physical health. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of COVID 19 pandemic on anxiety and depression levels and related factors in women. Methods: As a descriptive cross-sectional study, it was conducted with a total of 728 women between December 2020 and March 2021. Data were collected by Google survey using the descriptive information form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Having concerns about own health had a strong effect on coronavirus-related anxiety (p<0.001, η2 = 0.037) and the anxiety dimension of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (p<0.001, η2 = 0.098). Marital relationships had a strong effect on HADS depression dimension scores (p<0.001, η2 = 0.067). Conclusion: The younger women, those who had problematic marital relationship and those who were exposed to domestic violence had higher anxiety and depression scores. Relevant measures should be taken to reduce the concerns of more risky groups, especially women, in the health system and should be considered in future planning on this subject.

OBJECTIVE:The COVID-19 pandemic may have significant effects on fear of childbirth among women undergoing a high-risk pregnancy. This study sought to determine the relationship between the COVID-19 obsession and anxiety levels of women with high-risk pregnancies and their fear of childbirth.METHODS:A total of 326 hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies were evaluated between March 2021 and March 2022. The COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS), COVID-19 Obsession Scale (OCS), and Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS, composed of two subscales, FOBS1-anxiety and FOBS2-fear) were administered.RESULTS:Positive correlations were found between the FOBS1 and FOBS2 scores and CAS and OCS total scores (p < .001). The participants with secondary school degrees, those who had not given birth before, those who had an unfavorable previous childbirth experience, and those who were planning to have vaginal delivery had significantly higher average FOBS1 and FOBS2 scores (p < .05). Those living in an extended family were 3.22 times more likely to experience FOBS1 and 2.23 times more likely to experience FOBS2 than those living in a nuclear family. Women following COVID-19 information were 3.69 times more likely than others to experience these symptoms. In addition, those scheduled for vaginal delivery were 1.80 times more likely to experience FOBS2 than those scheduled for caesarean section.CONCLUSION:Women with high-risk pregnancies may experience COVID-19 anxiety, which may worsen their fear of childbirth. Psychosocial interventions focused on addressing COVID-19 anxiety are warranted for women with high-risk pregnancies in Turkey and for those living in other areas of the world as well.

Amaç: Araştırma kadınların gebeliklerini öğrenme zamanı, şekli ve ilk doğum öncesi izleme gitme zamanları gibi bazı değişkenlerin sağlık algısı ile ilişkisinin incelenmesi amacıyla yapıldı. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırma Aralık 2022-Mayıs 2023 tarihleri arasında 256 gebe tanımlayıcı bir çalışma olarak gerçekleştirildi. Verilerin toplanmasında Bilgi Formu ve Sağlık Algısı Ölçeği (SAÖ) kullanıldı. Verilerin analizinde IBM SPSS Statistics 29 paket programı kullanıldı. Bulgular: Gebelerin yaş ortalaması 29,38±5,47 ve gebelik haftası ortalaması 31,76±7,89 idi. Katılımcılar gebe olduklarını ortalama 5,67±2,53 gebelik haftasında öğrenmişti. %86,7’sinin sekizinci haftaya kadar ilk izlemini yaptırdığı, %69,9 gebeliklerini evde idrarda gebelik testi ile öğrendikleri belirlendi. Öğrenim durumu ve gelir durumunu düşük olarak bildiren gebelerin SAÖ puan ortalamaları da anlamlı şekilde düşüktü (p

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Objective: This study was carried out to examine the risk factors for varicose veins during pregnancy and their impact on quality of life. Material and methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional observational study in pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. In addition to the collection of sociodemographic and lifestyle data, the presence of varicose veins was assessed using the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological (CEAP) questionnaire, and the quality of life was assessed using the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for varicose veins. Results: A total of 658 women were included. Considering all types of varicose veins, prevalence of varicose veins was 29% (191 women). Varicose veins presence was found to be significantly associated with gestational week (odd ratio [OR], 1.047; 95% CI, 1.013-1.083; P=0.03), thyroid diseases (OR, 2.474; 95% CI, 1.109-5.522; P=0.019), smoking status during pregnancy (OR, 7.294; 95% CI, 2.408-22.093; P<0.001), and positive family varix history (OR, 213.437; 95% CI, 87.248-522.138; P<0.001). As regards the quality-of-life evaluation, scores in all CIVIQ-20 dimensions-physical (mean deviation [MD], -4.30; 95% CI, -4.76 to 3.83; P<0.001), psychological (MD, -8.67; 95% CI, -9.60 to 7.73; P<0.001), social (MD, -3.13; 95% CI, -3.48 to 2.79; P<0.001), pain (MD, -3.94; 95% CI, -4.37 to 3.51; P<0.001)-and the global index score (MD, 25.06; 95% CI, 22.50 to 27.62; P<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with varicose veins than in those without (P<0.001). Conclusions: In this prospective, observational study in pregnant women, gestational week, thyroid diseases, smoking status during pregnancy, and positive family history were identified as risk factors for varicose veins, and the presence of varicose veins was found to negatively impact quality of life in this setting.