Volume 12, Issue 12: Management of pre-term birth less than 22 weeks – comfort care

Management of pre-term birth less than 22 weeks – comfort care

Blurb

You are enjoying your break in the winter sunshine when a call comes in for a 34-year-old woman, pregnant and bleeding – an update informs you that she is 21 weeks pregnant. On arrival you find the patient is in distress, she is having contractions and the urge to push, things are progressing very rapidly – do you know the best way to support this patient?

CPD benefit

In the UK a birth before 23 weeks + 6 days is classified as a miscarriage, as the fetus is not viable. In such cases ambulance clinicians will need to provide comfort-focused care although this can be a new and difficult concept for those whose role is often life sustaining. This article provides guidance on the practicalities of providing comfort care and safe and dignified transport to an appropriate conveyance destination. There is also discussion on appropriate language and terminology as well as diversity and cultural considerations in such highly emotional situations. Although the outcome may not be positive clinicians can help the grieving parents by providing sensitive, appropriate comfort care.