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Background: Knowledge of danger signs among pregnant women is the first essential step in accepting appropriate and timely referral. Also, it is important in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. Aim: The present study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of pregnant women toward danger signs of pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive study design was utilized at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Clinics at Mansoura General Hospital on 242 pregnant women who had been chosen by systematic random sampling technique. Three tools were used for data collection; a structured interview schedule, danger signs knowledge assessment schedule and danger signs practices assessment questionnaire. Results: pregnant women total knowledge score of danger signs was poor in 57.9% of them while fair in 29.3% and good in less than 12.8% of them, during pregnancy the most commonly identified danger signs were vaginal bleeding (69.8%) followed by severe abdominal pain (56.20%) and sever vomiting (55.4%). A significant association was found between women's general characteristics and their knowledge about pregnancy danger signs (p < 0.001). More than two thirds (65.3%) of pregnant women had inadequate practices regarding danger signs of pregnancy. Conclusion:The current study questions were answered where poor knowledge level regarding danger signs of pregnancy was reported among pregnant women. According to the actual practices taken by pregnant women to overcome their danger signs during current pregnancy, self-care was the most commonly reported actual practice. Recommendations: The study recommended developing antenatal classes programs for all pregnant women about pregnancy danger signs and about the actual time to seek emergency medical care. In addition, increase the mass media to disseminate correct and relevant information about danger signs of pregnancy to pregnant women, families and communities.

Abstract:Childbirth is physiological process that needs no intervention. Cesarean delivery should only conduct when normal delivery is contraindicated to protect mothers and infant's health. Nowadays, a Cesarean Section has become a culture for escaping pain. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate the effect of healthy instructions on reducing pregnant women's fear of normal delivery and preferences for cesarean delivery. A quasi-experimental design was used. A purposive sample of 64 pregnant women was selected and divided randomly into two equal groups, 32 in each group. The study was carried out at Antenatal clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Center of Mansoura City. Three tools were utilized for data collection; an interviewing questionnaire and Childbirth Attitudes, Childbirth Fear Associated Factors Questionnaires to assess degree of women's fear of normal delivery and preferences for cesarean delivery. Level of fear was assessed pre and post healthy instructions. The study findings revealed that both groups were significantly different regarding the fear of normal delivery after intervention. It was obvious that before intervention more than half of both groups had preference for Cesarean Section while after intervention, vaginal delivery was the first preference of both groups. This study concluded that, healthy instructions by video and lecture educational methods were effective in making a decision on normal delivery, lessening the fear of normal labor, and diminished the incidence of elective cesarean delivery. The present study recommended to apply healthy instructions by video and lecture educational methods for raising their awareness to distinguish among normal delivery and cesarean section on large number of pregnant women for reducing fear from normal delivery and preferences for cesarean delivery.

This study aimed to assess the effect of birthing ball exercises during pregnancy on the first stage progress of labor. Methods: This study followed a quasi-experimental research design.

Abstract:The present study aimed to assess women awareness regarding vaginal discharge.