Outcomes of high-risk women cared for by certified nurse-midwives

This study describes the incidence of specific high-risk factors of a population cared for by a group of certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in a Mid-Atlantic, inner-city, nonprofit, hospital-based clinic. Outcomes were compared with all women who delivered in the United States in 1994. Univariate statistics, which consisted of descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentage distribution, were used. This comparison suggests that CNMs can provide safe care to women with high-risk conditions. Outcomes for the midwifery sample were more favorable for vaginal births, vaginal deliveries after cesarean section, forceps- and vacuum-assisted deliveries, cesarean delivery, and 5-minute Apgar scores. The incidence of maternal fever and meconium stained amniotic fluid was higher. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.