Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Nurse Midwives

Nurse-midwives are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing primary healthcare services to women, with an emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They have completed graduate education and passed a certification examination to become certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). They are licensed and regulated by the state board of nursing.

Nurse-midwives provide a wide range of services including prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postpartum care, family planning, and gynecological care for non-pregnant women. They perform physical exams, order and interpret lab tests, prescribe medication, and provide education and counseling on health promotion and disease prevention. They also assist in procedures such as vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and tubal ligations.

In healthcare, nurse-midwives play a vital role in providing high-quality, cost-effective and patient-centered care to women. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices. They also provide care in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare providers may be limited. They also collaborate with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective care.

Nurse-midwives are highly skilled professionals who are an important part of the healthcare team, providing safe and efficient care to women. They are independent practitioners and also work in a collaborative manner with physicians, other APRNs and other healthcare providers.