Odgovornosti babice glede pregleda posteljice: raziskava o pristopih v slovenskih porodnišnicah

Introduction: The placenta is a temporary organ, essential for the survival, growth and development of the foetus. It is delivered during the third stage of labour. The purpose of this study was to gain information regarding the management of the third stage of labour in Slovenian maternity hospitals, including midwives' competences within this scope of practice. Methods: Descriptive quantitative method was used with a survey questionnaire as a research instrument. Convenience sample included all 14 Slovenian maternity hospitals. The data were gathered during May and June 2012. The analysis of data was performed with SPSS 17 programme. Results: The response rate to the survey was 86%. Two thirds of the respondents (67 %) report that the third stage of labour is usually actively managed. In general, the placenta is delivered by a midwife (83 %), however, the placenta is not examined only by a midwife, it is also checked by a doctor (83 %). The majority of midwives (83 %) feel professionally confident to examine the placenta autonomously. Discussion and conclusion: The final birth outcome is the responsibility of a doctor. Therefore, in the majority of cases, midwives are not completely independent, despite their competences and qualifications for the management of uncomplicated deliveries.