The Role of Midwifery in Providing Medical Care to Pregnant Women and its Impact on Avoiding Birth Complications

Abstract

Background: Midwifery-led care is increasingly recognized as a crucial component in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. The integration of professional midwifery services within Saudi Arabia's healthcare system represents a significant development in maternal care delivery.
Aim: To evaluate the role of midwifery in providing medical care to pregnant women and its impact on avoiding birth complications at the Mother and Child Hospital in Mecca.
Patients and Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted from January to June 2024, involving 500 women who received midwifery-led care. Data collection included medical record reviews, patient satisfaction surveys (n=200), and semi-structured interviews with midwives (n=15). Clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and midwives' perspectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results: The majority of women achieved spontaneous vaginal delivery (77%, n=385), with low rates of maternal complications (preeclampsia 5%, postpartum hemorrhage 4%, infection 3%). Patient satisfaction was high across all care aspects, with 96% willing to recommend the service. Mean duration of labor was 8.2 ± 3.4 hours, and NICU admission rate was 7%. Thematic analysis revealed that 93% of midwives practiced continuous presence, while 87% emphasized cultural sensitivity in care delivery.
Conclusion: Midwifery-led care at the Mother and Child Hospital in Mecca demonstrated high rates of normal birth, low intervention rates, and high patient satisfaction. These findings support the expansion of midwifery services within the Saudi healthcare system while maintaining cultural sensitivity and safety standards.