Comparison of demographic factors and selected maternity care variables in women who chose midwife-led or obstetrician-led antenatal care respectively

Oral Health Behaviours, Knowledge, and Literacy of Expectant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study among Maternity Ward Patients

Maternal knowledge, literacy, and behaviours in the area of oral health may greatly influence the risk of caries and the oral health status of children from the youngest age. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate paediatric oral health knowledge and literacy as well as maternal oral health behaviours and outcomes among expectant mothers. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 400 pregnant inpatients aged 17-48 years (mean age 29.5 ± 5.3 years) in 31 public maternity wards in the Wielkopolska region, Poland. An anonymous, self-designed questionnaire was prepared on the basis of current oral health recommendations. Pregnancy complications were reported by 195 (48.8%), and permanent tooth extractions by 158 (39.5%) women. Knowledge and literacy scores were associated with, among other things, maternal education, selected oral hygiene practices, and reported extractions of permanent teeth. Although participants had some correct information regarding oral health, they had insufficient awareness of caries as an infectious disease and of the appropriate timing for the child's first dental visit. Their self-assessment of oral health status and belief that they were under dental care tended to be overly optimistic, given their self-reported outcomes. These aspects should be considered in future health education efforts among expectant women.

Polish maternity services in times of crisis: in search of quality care for pregnant women and their babies

The current COVID-19 pandemic put a burden on healthcare services around the globe and impacted many areas of care delivery, including maternity services. Prioritizing ringfenced community care to keep women away from hospitals may be the best strategic response to ensure pregnant and laboring women receive optimal care. By analyzing the structure of maternity services in Poland and their response to the current crisis, we show that while the available model allows to provide large share of prenatal services outside hospital settings, it allows no alternative to hospital births. In addition, medicalization, inequalities in access and fragmentation of care hinder services' ability to respond in a way it ensures best possible care.