- Any woman with pregnancy and birth complications may feel vulnerable and anxious about her own health and the health of her unborn child. Women from a CALD background may have a limited understanding of these conditions, which can increase their stress and anxiety.
- Women may also experience stress related to: language barriers; poor communication with the practitioner; the gender of health practitioners and; an inability to comply with their cultural or religious practices (eg fasting, specific dietary requirements).
- Women from CALD backgrounds may also be unaware of some of the services that assist pregnant women. Proper explanation of the management plan and meeting cultural requirements can reduce the stress related to these complications and improve health and pregnancy outcomes.
- Women from CALD backgrounds may need explanation of the different modes of birth, elective caesarean section and the difference between elective and emergency caesarean sections including eligibility and levels of risk.
- Refer women for specialist advice regarding issues such as female genital mutilation.
- Discuss the complications of surgical procedures.
- Provide a qualified interpreter if needed.
- Inform the woman about:
- Suspected complications.
- A suitable model for antenatal care.
- A same gender policy during routine visits and in case of emergency (eg examination provided by physicians according to the emergency care roster).
- The purpose of hospital admission and possible interventions, if required.
- Ensure that cultural and religious dietary requirements are met (halal, vegetarian).
- Refer the woman to additional pregnancy services (eg endocrine clinic).
- For neonatal health, discuss any concerns related to her cultural or religious background. If a baby needs to be admitted to intensive or special care discuss: the purpose of the admission; how the baby might benefit from the admission; how the woman and her partner can visit her baby and; how the woman can help care for her baby.
