Unit rationale, description and aim

The aim of this unit is to build on earlier learning about the anatomy and the physiological processes of childbearing and the related midwifery and obstetric management. The unit focuses on the collaborative role of the midwife, referral, use of medical technology and medications, obstetric intervention, and the implications of complications for these women, their families, and care providers. This unit is required by students to assist their ongoing development of midwifery knowledge, specifically in relation to birthing complications and other emergencies in the childbearing continuum.

The aim of this unit is to build on earlier learning about physiological processes of childbirth, and extend students' knowledge of assessment and care planning for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies in the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period.

We recognise that people who access maternity care may have diverse gender identities, that those who do can experience marginalisation and oppression, and that using appropriate terminology can help with these community members’ recognition and visibility, acknowledge the variety of pregnancy and birth experiences people may have, and respect individuals’ preferences. To reflect this, terms such as ‘pregnant person’, ‘birthing person’, ‘childbearing people’, ‘parent’ and ‘chestfeeding’ may be used in the midwifery courses at ACU in addition to ‘woman’, ‘mother’, ‘maternity’, ‘maternal’ and ‘breastfeeding’, which are used not to exclude those who do not identify as a woman, but in recognition that women continue to be marginalised and oppressed in many places around the world and to respect their own individual preferences.

2025 10

Campus offering

Find out more about study modes.

Unit offerings may be subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

Please select your preferred campus.

  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Multi-mode
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Multi-mode
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Multi-mode

Prerequisites

For Bachelor of Midwifery: BIOL122 Human Biological Science 2 AND MIDW216 Midwifery Care of the Birthing Woman AND MIDW200 Clinical Midwifery Practice 2 OR MIDW213 Midwifery Professional Practice 3

For Bachelor of Midwifery (Graduate Entry): MIDW200 Clinical Midwifery Practice 2 OR MIDW213 Midwifery Professional Practice 3 AND MIDW216 Midwifery Care of the Birthing Woman

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Outline the role of the midwife when caring for th...

Learning Outcome 01

Outline the role of the midwife when caring for the woman with complex needs across the childbearing continuum, as part of a culturally competent collaborative team;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Identify women at risk of complications that may o...

Learning Outcome 02

Identify women at risk of complications that may occur across the childbearing continuum;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC11

Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology and ph...

Learning Outcome 03

Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology to plan and evaluate safe, effective, evidence-based, collaborative care utilising current guidelines for consultation and referral;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Demonstrate sound knowledge of the ethico-legal re...

Learning Outcome 04

Demonstrate sound knowledge of the ethico-legal responsibilities of the midwife related to emergencies and perinatal loss;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC4, GC7, GC9, GC11

Design effective evidence-based strategies to supp...

Learning Outcome 05

Design effective evidence-based strategies to support the woman and her family following pregnancy loss.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Content

Topics will include: 

Legal and professional practice 

  • Consultation and referral 
  • Midwifery leadership and delegation in emergencies 
  • Documentation in emergencies and use of health informatics and health technology 
  • Legal responsibilities related to fetal and/or maternal morbidity and mortality 
  • Medication knowledge and administration 
  • Assertive communication skills 

Midwifery knowledge and practice 

  • Maintaining a woman-centered focus in complex care including emergencies 
  • Communication strategies  
  • Screening and assessment 
  • Infections 
  • Hypertension, 
  • Gestational diabetes 
  • Haematological dyscrasias 
  • Pathophysiology and management of complications in pregnancy  
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum 
  • Abruptio placenta and placenta praevia 
  • Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 
  • Pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, DIC 
  • Comorbidities: diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, heart disease, renal disease, obstetric cholestasis, thromboembolic disease, infections, iso-immunisation 
  • Multiple pregnancy  
  • Deviations in the rhythm and mechanisms of uterine activity 
  • Incoordinate uterine activity 
  • Malposition 
  • Malpresentations including brow, breech and shoulder presentation 
  • Cephalo-pelvic disproportion 
  • Obstructed labour 
  • Preterm labour 
  • Risk assessment, prevention and management of life threatening emergencies  
  • Trauma in pregnancy 
  • Cord prolapse 
  • Shoulder dystocia 
  • Pulmonary embolism 
  • Amniotic fluid embolism 
  • Eclampsia 
  • Uterine inversion 
  • Uterine rupture 
  • Grief and bereavement following pregnancy loss 
  • The midwife’s role 
  • Facilitating family contact and memory creation 
  • Resources 
  • Self-care 

Midwifery as primary health care 

  • Promoting the rights of the woman with complex needs and in an emergency 
  • Professional relationships and collaboration in complex care and emergency situations 

Reflective and ethical practice 

  • Debriefing for women and care providers following emergencies 

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures consistent with University assessment requirements will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes.

The written assignment provides students with the opportunity to explore the evidence base regarding assessment and care planning for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies. Online presentations will be used throughout semester to promote learning of the difficult and challenging concepts covered in this unit. The examination enables students to demonstrate a sound knowledge base in addressing content and process questions related to unit content.

These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills which, by the conclusion of this programme, will enable the student to graduate as a safe and effective midwife.

Overview of assessments

Written Assignment (1,200 – 1,500 words)   Enable...

Written Assignment (1,200 – 1,500 words) 

Enables students to achieve skills in academic writing and referencing and to articulate the evidence base for assessment and care planning in relation for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies. 

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3, LO4

Online Quizzes Enables students to demonstrate l...

Online Quizzes

Enables students to demonstrate learning of the difficult and challenging concepts covered in this unit.

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO5

Written Examination (2hrs) (Central Examination P...

Written Examination (2hrs) (Central Examination Period)

Enables students to demonstrate overall knowledge and understanding of content in the unit Different in 2021 handbook.

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Modes of delivery in this unit include learner-centred resource sessions, tutorials, online classrooms and quizzes. Consistent with adult learning principles, the teaching and learning strategies used within these modes of delivery will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant to professional midwifery practice. These strategies will also support students in meeting the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit and the broader course learning outcomes. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively with peers.  Scenario-based learning, case-based learning, problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning are all used to support the development of students' independent learning ability. 

Students at university need to operate effectively as self-sufficient learners who drive their own learning and access the learning supports they require. To guide students in their learning, feedback is required to identify what is being done well, what requires additional work and to identify progress toward required learning outcomes. Located in the second year of the programme, this theory unit includes face-to-face teaching hours and an increasing online component of learning to build life-long learning skills. Learner resource sessions are utilised to convey content and its central principles while tutorials deliver interactive and student-driven learning opportunities which require an increasing reliance on students to extend their community of learners and increase self-reliance. Online materials provide students with the opportunity to undertake  directed, self-motivated study and continue to transition to  independent study and life-long learning.  

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice

In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.

  • Relating to

    Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice  

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Identifies and promotes the role of midwifery practice and the midwifery profession in influencing better health outcomes for women.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Partners with women to strengthen women’s capabilities and confidence to care for themselves and their families

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises without the discrimination that may be associated with race, age, disability, sexuality, gender identity, relationship status, power relations and/or social disadvantage  

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises cultural safety that is holistic, free of bias and exposes racism

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises in a way that respects that family and community underpin the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Develops, maintains and concludes professional relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Understands their scope of practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Contributes to a culture that supports learning, teaching, knowledge transfer and critical reflection

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Uses relevant processes to identify, document and manage complexity and risk

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Recognises and responds appropriately where safe and quality practice may be compromised, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Undertakes comprehensive assessments

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Uses assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Analyses information and data and communicates assessments and anticipated outcomes as the basis for midwifery practice, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Develops a plan for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Interprets assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan for practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Collaboratively develops plans until options, priorities, goals, actions, anticipated outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the woman, and/or relevant others

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Co-ordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Documents, evaluates and modifies plans to facilitate the anticipated outcomes.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Actively contributes to quality improvement and research activities

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Practises to achieve the agreed goals and anticipated outcomes that meet the needs of the woman

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Is responsible for consultation and referral and/or escalation in situations that are outside the individual’s scope of practice, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Provides and accepts effective and timely direction, allocation, delegation, teaching and supervision

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Revises plan and actions based on evidence and what is learned from evaluation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Bryant, B., Knights, K., Rowland, A., & Darroch, S. (2018). Pharmacology for Health Professionals (5th ed.). Elsevier. 

Chapman, V., & Charles, C. (2017). The Midwife's Labour and Birth Handbook (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA]. (2018). Midwife standards for practice. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA]. (2013). Code of ethics for midwives. International Confederation of Midwives

Pairman, S., Tracey, S., Dahlen, H., & Dixon, L. (2018). Midwifery: Preparation for Practice (4th ed.). Elsevier. 

Rankin, J. (Ed.). (2017). Physiology in Childbearing with Anatomy and Related Biosciences (4th ed.). Elsevier.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RANZCOG]. (2019). Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance (4th ed.). Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.

Walsh, D.,& Downe, S. (Eds.). (2010). Essential Midwifery Practice: Intrapartum Care. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Wylie, L. & Bryce, H. (2016) The Midwives' Guide to Key Medical Conditions (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Locations
Credit points
Year

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs