Pharmacotherapy in the perinatal period‐ an exploratory study in midwifery

Objective: To gather information on the adherence to the Dutch national neonatal vitamin K policy and on the administration of prescription medication during labor by community midwives.Methods: A telephone questionnaire under community midwives in the North of the Netherlands.Results: In the main, the vitamin K practices follow the guidelines with respect to who receives the first dose and maintenance therapy. There is possibly underdosing. Midwives use their license to administer medicines during labor in moderation: 91% report to never use tocolytics, oxytocics or analgesics.Conclusion: In general, the national vitamin K policy is followed. Information gathered prospectively is needed on the use of pharmacotherapy by community midwives in the perinatal period.