English

Research activities

The aim of midwifery is to establish a knowledge base for midwifery methodologies in conjunction with obstetrics and to draw out women’s power of giving birth and living their lives to the fullest.

Our mission is to systematize the science of midwifery. In modern society, childbirth has become medicalized,
incorporating numerous medical interventions; however, childbirth is a natural, physiologic function of being human. When women give birth by
maximizing their innate physiologic abilities, the experience instills confidence in them empowering their lives overall. Midwives provide continuous
and holistic support for women during their pregnancies, intrapartum, postpartum, and childrearing phases of life. Midwifery builds a body of evidence applicable to these stages in a woman’s life and is essential in solving the universal challenges of pregnancy and childbirth.

Our research studies focus on the dynamic processes of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.We clarify phenomena using field work as well as biochemistry and physiology to develop methods of support for childbearing women. Our department has a laboratory environment that is rare in nursing. We accumulate scientific knowledge and train nurse-midwives to disseminate those research results.

On-going Research Projects

1. Evidence for Perinatal Health Education.

1. Maternal nutrition and weight management during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Insufficient nutrition during pregnancy can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications, negatively affect breastfeeding in the postpartum period, negatively affect infant development, and increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases later in life. In order to reevaluate women’s self-care behaviors during pregnancy, we aim to develop an outpatient health educational program
   regarding optimal prenatal nutrition and maternal weight management.
2. Assessment of validity and reliability of self-report food intake history during pregnancy: factors affecting over- or under-reporting.We are assessing the validity and reliability of a simple questionnaire on self-reported food intake history designed for use during prenatal visits.
   In addition to assessment with biomarkers, we evaluate frequency of over- and under-reporting of nutritional intake and explore factors affecting
   error reports.
3. Pregnant women’s body composition and newborn weight.By measuring maternal weight, body composition, fat metabolism, daily habits, eating habits, and physical activity, we are exploring optimal prenatal daily habits and weight management.
4. Psychological and physiological effects of exercise during pregnancy and after childbirth. The effects of aerobic exercise such as walking, yoga, the use of balance balls, etc. during pregnancy and after childbirth on gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy-induced hypertension and their mechanism of effect are being explored, using biomarkers (e.g., blood sugar and oxidative stress levels).We also investigate effects of aerobic exercise on maternal mental health (e.g., depression, quality of life), childbirth outcomes (e.g., length of labor), and postpartum outcomes (e.g., fatigue, breastfeeding) Fundamental information obtained from this study will be useful as the rationale for physical activity interventions during pregnancy and after childbirth.
5. Development of effective skin care intervention to prevent neonatal skin trouble. This study investigates the effect of moisturizing skin care on improvement of skin barrier functions among healthy neonates.

2. Support for satisfaction in childbirth.

• Tool development on fear of childbirth
• Existing studies have revealed that even pain medications such as epidurals
  for labor pain do not eliminate fear of childbirth. Women’s fear of childbirth
  can affect future childrearing behaviors and decision-making about subsequent
  pregnancies. We are developing a Japanese version of the Wijma Delivery
  Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ), originally developed in Sweden
  and widely used worldwide, to measure fear of childbirth, and evaluate
  its validity and reliability.

3. Support system development for body management after childbirth.

1. Prevalence and causes of anal sphincter laceration in childbirth. We are developing an assessment method for sphincter laceration using perineal ultrasound, and are exploring its relationship with neonatal birth weight, length of labor, mode of delivery, instrumental delivery, and episiotomy.
2. Urine and fecal incontinence after childbirth. Urine and/or fecal incontinence can occur after childbirth due to dysfunction of the pelvic floor after pregnancy and delivery. This study investigates changes in their prevalence and health-related consequences on postpartum women’s daily lives.
3. Postpartum weight, body composition changes, and breastfeeding. A study on changes over time in postpartum women’s body weight and body composition and their relationship to life style factors.
4. Promotion of women’s health care after delivery. Health support for working
   women in the prenatal period and postnatal women.
   We are exploring the relationship between maternal health and lifestyle factors including working g conditions among postpartum. We are planning to investigate the effects of postpartum mother’s class on their health outcome.

Publications list

• Hikita N, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Sasagawa E, Murata M, Yura A, Oidovsuren O. Comparison of knowledge about smoking and passive smoking and urinary cotinine levels in pregnant women and their partners in Mongolia: A cross-sectional study. Asian / Pacific Island Nursing Journal. 4(1), 2019.
• Hikita N, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Takehara K, Dagvadorj A, Sumya N, Bavuusuren B, Baljinnyam P, Ota E, Mori R. Utilisation of maternal and child health handbook in Mongolia: A cross-sectional study. Health Education Journal. 77(4):458-469, 2018.
• Matsuzaki M, Kusaka M, Sugimoto T, Shiraishi M, Kobayashi R, Watanabe S, Haruna M. The Effects of a Yoga Exercise and Nutritional Guidance Program on Pregnancy Outcomes Among Healthy Pregnant Japanese Women: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine. 14, 2018.
• Yonezawa K, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Kojima R. Effects of moisturizing skincare on skin barrier function and the prevention of skin problems in 3-month-old infants: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Dermatology. 45; 24-30, 2018.
• Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Yeo S. Physical exercise during pregnancy and its related factors: An observational study in Japan. Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal, 2(4):166-173, 2017.
• Sasagawa E, Elías de Buendía L, Ortiz Avendaño GA, Díaz de Navarro AM, Barrera Erazo HA, Sandoval López DX, Cedillos RA, Kita K, Misago C. A Comparison of Blood Loss Determination After Vaginal Delivery in El Salvador: Visual Estimation Versus Direct Measurement. International Journal of Nursing and Health Science. 4(6): 81-71, 2017.
• Hikita N, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Sasagawa E, Murata M, Oidovsuren O, Yura A. Prevalence and risk factors of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among pregnant women in Mongolia. Scientific Reports. 27;7(1):16426, 2017.
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Sasaki S. Availability of two self-administered diet history questionnaires for pregnant Japanese women: A validation study using 24-hour urinary markers. Journal of epidemiology. 27(4):172-179, 2017.
• Haruna M, Shiraishi M, Matsuzaki M, Yatsuki Y, Yeo S. Effect of tailored dietary guidance for pregnant women on nutritional status: a double-cohort study. Maternal and child nutrition. 13(4), 2017.
• Kita S, Haruna M, Hikita N, Matsuzaki M, Kamibeppu K. Development of the Japanese version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool-Short. Nursing & Health Sciences. 19(1), 35-43, 2017.
• Kita S, Haruna M, Yamaji M, Matsuzaki M, Kamibeppu K. Associations of Mental and Behavioral Problems among Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence Previously and Visits with Their Fathers Who Perpetrated the Violence. Open Journal of Nursing.  DOI: 10.4236/ojn.2017.73029, 2017.
• Takegata M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Okano T, Severinsson E. Psychometric Evaluation of the Japanese Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version B. Open Journal of Nursing. 7, 15-27, 2017.
• Takegata M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Okano T, Severinsson E.  Aetiological relationships between factors associated with postnatal traumatic symptoms among Japanese primiparas and multiparas: A longitudinal study. Midwifery. 44,14-23, 2017.
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Sasaki S. Availability of two self-administered diet history questionnaires for pregnant Japanese women: A validation study using 24-hour urinary markers. Journal of epidemiology. 27(4):172-179, 2017.
• Sasagawa E, Tung R, Horikosh Y, Takehara K, Noguchi M, Egami Y, Osanai Y, Kita K, Misago M, Matsui M. Discrepancy between the national protocol and healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding induction and augmentation of labor with oxytocin in Cambodia. Journal of International Health. 31(4), 289-298, 2016.
• Hayashi A, Matsuzaki M, Kusaka M, Shiraishi M, Haruna M. Daily Walking Decreases Casual Glucose Level Among Pregnant Women in the Second Trimester. Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics, 10(4), 218-222, 2016.
• Kusaka M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Haruna M. Immadiate stress reduction effects of yoga during pregnancy: One group pre-post test. Women and Birth. 29(5), e82-e88, 2016.
• Kita S, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Kamibeppu K.  Associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, mother-to-infant bonding failure, and postnatal depressive symptoms. Archieves of Women’s Mental Health. 19(4):623-34, 2016.
• Takegata M, Haruna M, Kitamura T. Continuous education for perinatal mental health among clinical midwives: Necessity and literature review. International Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences. 2(6), 73-77, 2015.
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Murayama R, Sasaki S, Yeo S, Murashima S.　Relationship between plasma total homocysteine level and dietary caffeine and vitamin B6 intakes in pregnant women. Nurs Health Sci. Jul 16, 2013
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Yatsuki Y, Sasaki S. Estimation
  of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intakes in pregnant Japanese
  women without nausea by using a self-administered diet history questionnaire.
  Nutr Res. 33(6):473-8, 2013
• Haruna M, WatanabeE, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Shiraishi M, Murayama R, Yoshida
  M, Yeo S. The effects of an exercise program on health-related quality
  of life in postpartum mothers: a randomized controlled trial. Health. 5(3),
  2013.
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Sasaki S. Validity of a diet history questionnaire estimating β-carotene, vitamin C and α-tocopherol intakes in Japanese pregnant women. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 64(6):694-9, 2013
• Takegata M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Shiraishi M, Murayama R, Okano T, Severinsson
  E. Translation and validation of the Japanese version of the Wijma Delivery
  Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version A. Nurs Health Sci. Feb 21,
  2013
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Murayama R, Watanabe E, Sasaki
  S, Yeo S, Murashima S. Association between oxidized LDL and folate during
  pregnancy. Biol Res Nurs.15(2): 213-8, 2013
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Sasaki S, Murashima S. Validity and reproducibility of folate and vitamin B12 intakes estimated from a self-administered diet history questionnaire in Japanese pregnant women. Nutr J. 11: 15. 2012
• Lyberg A, Viken B, Haruna M, Severinsson E. Diversity and challenges in the management of maternity care for migrant women. J Nurs Manag. 20(2): 287-95, 2012
• Matsuzaki M, Haruna M, Ota E, Murayama R, Murashima S. Factors related
  to the continuation of employment during pregnancy among Japanese women.
  Jpn J Nurs Sci. 8(2): 153-62, 2011
• Nishioka E, Haruna M, Ota E, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Yoshimura K, Murashima
  S. A prospective study of the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum
  depressive symptoms appearing at 1-5 months after delivery. J Affect Disord.
  133(3):553-9, 2011
• Ota E, Haruna M, Suzuki M, Anh DD, Tho le H, Tam NT, Thiem VD, Anh NT, Isozaki M, Shibuya K, Ariyoshi K, Murashima S, Moriuchi H, Yanai H. Maternal body mass index and gestational weight gain and their association with perinatal outcomes in Viet Nam. Bull World Health Organ. 1;89(2):127-36, 2011
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Murayama R, Sasaki S, Murashima S. Relationship between the plasma total homoocysteine levels and skipping breakfast during pregnancy. J. Jpn Acad Midwif. 24(2): 252-60, 2010
• Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Murayama R, Murashima S. Association between the serum folate levels and tea consumption during pregnancy. Biosci Trends. 4(5): 225-30, 2010
• Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Honda Y, Tanizaki T, Sekine K, Tabata N, Yeo S, Murashima S. Positive correlation between maternal serum coenzyme Q10 levels and infant birth weight. BioFactors. 36(4): 312-8, 2010
• Matsuzaki M, Haruna M, Hasumi Y, Sekine K, Tanizaki T, Watanabe E, Murashima S. Ubiquinol-10 and ubiquinone-10 levels in umbilical cord blood of healthy fetuses and the venous blood of their mothers. Free Radic Res. 44(11): 1338-44, 2010
• Matsuzaki M, Haruna M, Ota E, Yeo S, Murayama R, Murashima S. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to Japanese. Biosci Trends. 4(4): 170-7, 2010
• Okamoto M, Murayama R, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Kozuma S, Nakata M, Murashima S. Evaluation of pelvic floor function by transabdominal ultrasound in postpartum women. J Med Ultrasonics. 37(4): 187-193, 2010
• Severinsson E, Haruna M, Friberg F. Midwives’ group supervision and the influence of their continuity of care model – a pilot study. J Nurs Manag. 18(4):400-8, 2010
• Haruna M, Yeo S, Watanabe E, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Nakayama K, Murashima
  S. Perceptions of women and health-care providers in Tokyo of appropriate
  weight gain during pregnancy. Nurs Health Sci. 12(1):21-6, 2010
• Nakayama K, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Sekine K, Murashima S. Changes in 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto- prostaglandin F2alpha levels in saliva during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 36(1):27-33, 2010
• Uayan ML, Kobayashi S, Matsuzaki M, Ota E, Haruna M, Murashima S. Mothering and acculturation: experiences during pregnancy and childrearing of Filipina mothers married to Japanese. Biosci Trends. 3(3):77-86, 2009
• Ota E, Haruna M, Yanai H, Suzuki M, Anh DD, Matsuzaki M, Tho le H, Ariyoshi K, Yeo S, Murashima S. Reliability and validity of the Vietnamese version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 39(3):562-70, 2008
• Ota E, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Honda Y, Sasaki S, Yeo S, Murashima S. Comparison of body fat mass changes during the third trimester and at one month postpartum between lactating and nonlactating Japanese women. Biosci Trends. 2(5):200-5, 2008
• Matsuzaki M, Haruna M, Ota E, Sasaki S, Nagai Y, Murashima S. Dietary folate intake, use of folate supplements, lifestyle factors, and serum folate levels among pregnant women in Tokyo, Japan. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 34(6):971-9, 2008

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