Opinions and practices of midwives about amniotomy

Objective: The aim of the research was to examine the opinions and practices of midwives about amniotomy. Material and Metod: There research was conducted using the phenomenology pattern, aqualitative research design, between December 2020 and June 2021 at the maternity clinic of Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital which is affiliated to the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate. 11 midwives determined through the purposive sampling method were included in the study. Using semi-structured interview technique, the data for the research were collected with an introductory information formand semi-structured interview form. The data were analysedusing content analysis method. Results: The opinions and practices of the midwives who participated in the research about amniotomy were gathered under six themes and 19 sub-themes. Themes were "opinions about amniotomy", "reasons for performing amniotomy", "conditions to be considered while performing amniotomy", "conditions to be considered after amniotomy", "consent and legal process related to amniotomy application" and "use of current information about amniotomy". Conclusion: As a result of this research, some of the midwives think that amniotomy should be applied because it shortens the birth and is beneficial for mother and baby health. The other group of midwives are of the opinion that amniotomy should not be applied because it disrupts the natural process of birth. It was concluded that the midwives performed the amniotomy appropriately according to the information in the literature, and gave verbal consent to the pregnant woman before the application, and that they did not go through a legal process regarding the amniotomy. Midwives may contribute to non-invasive birth management by avoiding intervention during the intrapartum period. Key Words: Amniotomy, First stage, Labor, Midwifery