Nurse Midwife Procedures

A certified nurse-midwife is a registered nurse with graduate-level training and certification from the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). Certified nurse-midwives offer support to pregnant women before, during and after labor and delivery. In addition, certified nurse-midwives provide continuous support and care for women during and beyond their childbearing years.

Prenatal Care

• According to BabyCenter, a certified nurse-midwife can care for you during your pregnancy as long as you do not suffer from a serious medical condition like diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy. During your first visit, your certified nurse-midwife will perform physical exams and laboratory screenings in addition to answering your questions. During follow-up visits, your certified nurse-midwife monitors the growth of your baby, as well as your health as your pregnancy progresses.

  Another focus of your certified nurse-midwife is to provide you with guidance and emotional support through pregnancy. For instance, your certified nurse-midwife can teache you about issues as varied as proper nutrition, travel during pregnancy and birthing choices. Many certified nurse-midwives encourage such birthing options as rocking, using a birthing ball and using a deep tub or shower during labor. Your certified nurse-midwife will also answer your questions about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

  Your certified nurse-midwife offers emotional support for you and your family. Many certified nurse-midwives encourage your family members to participate in pregnancy, labor and delivery.

  If a medical condition like high blood pressure should arise during your pregnancy, your certified nurse-midwife can refer you to a doctor. However, according to BabyCenter, you'll be able to continue working with your certified nurse-midwife as well as with your doctor.

Labor, Birth and Postpartum

• Your certified nurse-midwife actively participates in your delivery by providing hands-on care during labor and birth, according to WoodWinds Health Campus. Besides participating in labor and delivery, your certified nurse-midwife may be able to perform such procedures as administering pain medication. After delivery, your certified nurse-midwife supports you and your family in overcoming any difficulties related to welcoming a new addition into the family.

Beyond Pregnancy

• Your certified nurse-wife performs other procedures besides birth and delivery services. For instance, certified nurse-midwives provide yearly gynecological exams and tests, breast exams and counseling in such areas as health maintenance, disease prevention and family planning. In fact, your certified nurse-wife can perform similar procedures as a primary care provider, according to the Health East Care System, such as providing treatment for vaginal infections and prescribing birth control.