Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – updated
CMV or cytomegalovirus is a common virus that is harmless to most people but can be dangerous to unborn babies. This module has been developed and updated by the charity CMV Action in response to requests from midwives for more information about congenital CMV. It sets out the facts about CMV and four key areas […]
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Study time: 30 minutes Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is very common, occurring in up to 80% of pregnancies. Caring for women with the condition requires a multidisciplinary approach. This i-learn module is aimed at midwives, students midwives and maternity support workers who care for women experiencing NVP. For most pregnant women, mild or […]
Supporting disposal choices after pregnancy loss
The disposal of the remains of pregnancy can be a complicated and sensitive issue. There is no legal requirement to bury or cremate pregnancy remains before 24 weeks’ gestation, although burial, cremation, and sensitive incineration are all permissible. The choices that people make may be shaped by a range of complex factors, as they define […]
Human Factors – reducing errors in maternity care
Human factors is about understanding human limitations and designing the workplace and the equipment we use to allow for variations in humans and human performance. Knowing how fatigue, stress, poor communication and inadequate knowledge and skill affect health professionals is important because it helps us understand predisposing characteristics that may be associated with adverse events […]
Promoting midwife led care
This i-learn module has been written to enhance understanding of midwifery units (MUs) and deepen knowledge and information about MUs, so that more women are supported to access MU care. It will enable midwives and other maternity care providers to feel more confident and informed when supporting women to choose care within a midwifery led […]
Tuberculosis: prevention and care in pregnancy
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health concern around the world, including in the UK. Pregnant women face higher risks of developing TB than the general population because of changes in the immune system during pregnancy, mainly due to T-cell suppression and reduced interferon-gamma production. Whilst TB is slowly decreasing in the UK, certain […]
COVID-19: a guide for maternity staff
This i-learn module aims to provide key background information about COVID-19. The module focuses on general information on virology, transmission and management of the virus, for information about pregnancy and COVID-19 visit the RCM website. On completing this module the learner will have a better understanding of: the background to COVID-19 the risks associated with […]
One chance to get it right: bereavement care
This course aims to develop awareness, knowledge and understanding of the importance of providing parent-led, sensitive and empathic care for parents whose baby dies before, during or shortly after birth. It is not intended to replace face-to-face training which facilitates the development of skills in this important area of care. On completing this i-learn module […]
Women affected by the criminal justice system
This i-learn module looks at the specific needs of women involved with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and the impact that this involvement can have on them during the perinatal period. Midwives and support workers will have contact with women who are affected by the CJS in many different ways and an understanding of the […]
Antibiotic awareness
This i-learn module on antibiotic awareness seeks to increase awareness of antibiotic resistance. In particular, it seeks to promote the role of workers in maternity services in minimising the challenges of resistance to antibiotics. Further, maternity workers should be aware of how appropriate antibiotic stewardship can promote a healthier childbearing continuum for women and babies. […]