Cultural practices before and during pregnancy: example of Turkey

Having children is a substantial part of cultural identity in our society. From past till now, various customs, traditions and beliefs have been applied, especially during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy period in Anatolia. Some of them are still in practice and effective. However, all these practices to have children are applied generally to women, and there are few practices applied on men regarding the elimination of infertility because women are regarded as responsible for not having children in Anatolia. In this compilation, the traditional beliefs and practices applied before and during pregnancy in Anatolia are explained. National and international articles on this subject are analysed by using keywords in Google academic database. As a result, it is found that some practices negatively affect both the mother's and child's health. So, awareness on this subject should be raised, unhealthy practices and beliefs should be discussed and changed, and beneficial ones should be supported

Reproductive health issues of undocumented migrant women living in Istanbul

Objective

Prevention of Congenital Anomalies and the Roles of Healthcare Professionals

Congenital anomalies including genetic diseases contribute a significant proportion of infant morbidity and mortality and affect many parents and families. Every year 2-6% of newborns are born worldwide with major congenital anomalies and the majority of identified causes of congenital anomalies are nonhereditary and preventable. Theoretically, some of the risk to the developing fetus can be eliminated by avoiding exposure to the agent or manipulating the fetal environment. The main preventive measures recommended are expansion of rubella immunization, access to family planning programs that include the encouragement to complete reproduction before 35 years of age, periconceptional supplementation of folic acid, iodization of salt, and access to adequate prenatal care, including nutrition, control of maternal infections and avoidance of teratogens

The Effect of a Breastfeeding Motivation Program Maintained During Pregnancy on Supporting Breastfeeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended breastfeeding method for infants during the first 6 postnatal months

The Effect of Breathing and Skin Stimulation Techniques on Labour Pain Perception of Turkish Women

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of breathing techniques and nurse-administered massage on the pain perception of pregnant woman during labour

Effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on psychological parameters in gestational diabetes: A randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 12% of women all over the world and its control is important. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are one of the approaches being used for pregnant women with gestational diabetes to help prenatal attachment and reduce depression, anxiety and stress

Hysterectomy's psychosexual effects in Turkish women

Although many current studies have been conducted about sexual functioning after hysterectomy, the number of studies evaluating both sexual functioning and psychological wellness together is very limited. This study was planned for the purpose of investigating hysterectomy's psychosexual effects. Ninety-three women were interviewed by the researcher face-to-face. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered 1-3 days before and repeated 3 months after the hysterectomy. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were done to explore women's attitudes about sexuality. In the third month after hysterectomy 49.5% of the women had begun to have sexual intercourse again, 34.3% of those were determined to have a decrease in sexual functions. It was also found that level of depression was less in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period. Three months after hysterectomy, sexual functioning had significantly decreased. A clear resolution in symptoms of depression was seen after hysterectomy. It was determined that sexual functioning after hysterectomy was affected by advanced age, a women's attitude about sexuality, and the type of hysterectomy. In addition, sexual functioning was negatively affected by symptoms of depression

Long-term postpartum health problems in Turkish women: prevalence and associations with self-rated health

Objective: To examine the frequency of physical and emotional health problems associated with labor and their relationship with self-rated health measures. Methods: Four hundred women were enrolled. Data collection was accomplished through the completion of a form on sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, a questionnaire that measured the self-rated health level as well as physical health problems, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Results: Most commonly reported health problems in the initial six-week period were fatigue (77.5%), sleep disturbance (76.0%), and dysuria (61.3%). At one-year postpartum, fatigue (33.9%), sleep disturbance (32.8%) and constipation (15.5%) were the most commonly reported complaints. Those who self-reported a poor health at six weeks and one year comprised of 40.0% and 19.8% of the participants, respectively. Conclusion: Further studies in other populations are warranted to better delineate the prevalence rates, which will provide useful data for developing policies aimed at improving postpartum care