Nurse midwives care for pregnant women before, during, and immediately after childbirth. They deliver babies for low-risk pregnancies.

Nurse midwives are registered nurses with a master’s degree in midwifery. Nurse midwives can order lab tests throughout the pregnancy. They may also write prescriptions and administer medication during labor. They may attend births in a hospital, medical clinic setting, or birthing center.

Prenatal care

Nurse midwives work closely with expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. They get a complete medical history from the patient to be sure it is a low-risk pregnancy. They determine the due date.

Nurse midwives educate pregnant women about nutrition, exercise, and general well-being. They regularly monitor fetal growth and listen to the baby's heartbeat. If complications develop, such as an ectopic pregnancy or signs that the mother or baby is not doing well, nurse midwives refer patients to obstetricians or other specialists.

Nurse midwives help pregnant women plan for childbirth. This includes helping them determine how they will manage pain and what kind of birthing environment they would like.

Birth

Nurse midwives monitor the mother and baby’s condition during labor by checking vital signs. They also monitor contractions and perform physical examinations to establish how the labor is progressing. They make suggestions for positions that may facilitate childbirth. They may administer oxygen if required.

Postpartum care

After the birth, nurse midwives provide medical care for infants including emergency resuscitation. They also monitor the mother’s recovery. In addition, they help mothers and babies learn how to breastfeed.