Role of Midwives in Reducing Maternal Mortality: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite improvements in healthcare systems, many women still die from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Midwives play a critical role in providing essential maternal and newborn care services across the continuum of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. This systematic review examines the evidence regarding the role of midwives in reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal health outcomes. Literature was searched across major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2024. The review highlights the effectiveness of midwife-led care in improving maternal outcomes, reducing medical interventions, and enhancing the quality of care. Evidence indicates that midwife-delivered interventions can significantly reduce maternal deaths, prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, and increase the rate of normal vaginal births. Furthermore, midwives contribute to community-based maternal healthcare, health education, early detection of complications, and referral services. However, barriers such as workforce shortages, inadequate training, and weak healthcare systems limit their potential impact. Strengthening midwifery education, policy support, and integration into healthcare systems is essential to achieve global maternal health targets. The findings suggest that investing in midwifery services is one of the most effective strategies for reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes worldwide.