Effects of Tobacco Smoking in Pregnancy, Research Paper Example

Nursing theory is operationalized in a variety of fields, but this is becoming increasingly apparent in the maternity unit. For example, evidence-based practice and quality improvement has helped increase the premature infant rate of survival from 19% in 2000 to 33% in 2009 for those born 22 weeks ahead of the expected due date (Kyser et al., 2012). Before the implementation of the intensive care unit in hospitals, this survival rate was approximately 0%. Therefore it is apparent that nursing theory has helped this field of health care evolve, incorporating increasing knowledge of proper premature infant care over the years. This trend is expected to continue into the future, raising the premature infant rate of survival even higher.

Furthermore, evidence-based practice has helped maternity nurses and physicians to gain a greater understanding of the preventative measures that can be taken to prevent premature births. Health care professionals have gained a better understanding of the value of prenatal diet and exercise, in terms of contributing to the health of the developing fetus. In addition, many studies have shown that it is unhealthy for pregnant women to smoke or drink during their pregnancy, and that ceasing this behaviors can contribute to the birth of a healthy baby (Erikson et al., 2012). While this seems like common sense today, many pregnant mothers did not take this care during their pregnancy before the 1990s. It is likely that many pregnant women are engaging in harmful behaviors today that are not well understood and are therefore not discouraged. It is therefore important for health care professionals to continue investigating the behaviors of pregnant women so that they can determine if their actions can either harm or benefit their developing fetus.

References

Eriksen HF, Kesmodel US, Wimberley T,Underbjerg M, Kilburn TR,1 Mortensen EL. (2012). Effects of Tobacco Smoking in Pregnancy on Offspring Intelligence at the Age of 5. Journal of Pregnancy. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/945196

Kyser KL, Morriss FH Jr, Bell EF, Klein JM, Dagle JM. (2012). Improving survival of extremely preterm infants born between 22 and 25 weeks of gestation.ObstetGynecol, 119(4):795-800.