# Tasks & work activities — maternity support worker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-9099.01 (Midwives).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Assist maternal patients to find physical positions that will facilitate childbirth.
- **[Core]** Monitor maternal condition during labor by checking vital signs, monitoring uterine contractions, or performing physical examinations.
- **[Core]** Provide comfort and relaxation measures for mothers in labor through interventions such as massage, breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, or music.
- **[Core]** Set up or monitor the administration of oxygen or medications.
- **[Core]** Assess birthing environments to ensure cleanliness, safety, and the availability of appropriate supplies.
- **[Core]** Assess the status of post-date pregnancies to determine treatments and interventions.
- **[Core]** Collect specimens for use in laboratory tests.
- **[Core]** Conduct ongoing prenatal health assessments, tracking changes in physical and emotional health.
- **[Core]** Develop, implement, or evaluate individualized plans for midwifery care.
- **[Core]** Establish and follow emergency or contingency plans for mothers and newborns.
- **[Core]** Estimate patients' due dates and re-evaluate as necessary based on examination results.
- **[Core]** Evaluate patients' laboratory and medical records, requesting assistance from other practitioners when necessary.
- **[Core]** Respond to breech birth presentations by applying methods such as exercises or external version.
- **[Core]** Identify, monitor, or treat pregnancy-related problems such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-term labor, or retarded fetal growth.
- **[Core]** Identify tubal and ectopic pregnancies and refer patients for treatments.
- **[Core]** Inform patients of how to prepare and supply birth sites.
- **[Core]** Monitor fetal growth and well-being through heartbeat detection, body measurement, and palpation.
- **[Core]** Maintain documentation of all patients' contacts, reviewing and updating records as necessary.
- **[Core]** Obtain complete health and medical histories from patients including medical, surgical, reproductive, or mental health histories.
- **[Core]** Perform post-partum health assessments of mothers and babies at regular intervals.
- **[Core]** Provide information about the physical and emotional processes involved in the pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum periods.
- **[Core]** Provide necessary medical care for infants at birth, including emergency care such as resuscitation.
- **[Core]** Provide, or refer patients to other providers for, education or counseling on topics such as genetic testing, newborn care, contraception, or breastfeeding.
- **[Core]** Refer patients to specialists for procedures such as ultrasounds or biophysical profiles.
- **[Core]** Suture perineal lacerations.
- **[Core]** Test patients' hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood glucose levels.
- **[Core]** Compile and evaluate clinical practice statistics.
- **[Core]** Counsel women regarding the nutritional requirements of pregnancy.
- **[Core]** Incorporate research findings into practice as appropriate.
- **[Core]** Provide information about community health and social resources.
- **[Core]** Recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements to enhance the health of patients and children.
- **[Core]** Treat patients' symptoms with alternative health care methods such as herbs or hydrotherapy.
- **[Core]** Provide patients with contraceptive and family planning information.
- **[Core]** Perform annual gynecologic exams, including pap smears and breast exams.
- **[Supplemental]** Complete birth certificates.
- **[Supplemental]** Collaborate in research studies.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Analyze quantitative data to determine effectiveness of treatments or therapies.
- Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
- Apply new technologies to improve work processes.
- Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
- Care for women during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Collect biological specimens from patients.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
- Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
- Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
- Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
- Develop medical treatment plans.
- Diagnose medical conditions.
- Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
- Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
- Inspect facilities for cleanliness.
- Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Operate on patients to treat conditions.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
- Prepare official health documents or records.
- Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
- Stock medical or patient care supplies.
- Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.