Exploring the global evidence and guidelines for the perinatal period

Introduction

The majority of approximately 140 million births that occur globally every year occur with little or no complications for women, birthing people and their babies. However, through evidence, it is recognised that the time of birth and the provision of care offered, is critical to the survival of women and their babies. It is clear that the risk of morbidity and mortality for women and their newborn increases if complications arise without the much needed support and care by healthcare professionals.

World Health Organisation (WHO) ‘Recommendations for Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience’ and ‘Recommendations on Maternal and Newborn Care for a Positive Postnatal Experience’, were developed to address and meet the targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015) and the new Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016), There is emphasis on global agendas to ensure that counties are expanding their focus to ensure that women and their babies not only survive labour complications but also that they thrive and reach their full potential for health and life.

Keywords

Labour, birth, newborn care, postnatal care, guidelines, global, recommendations.

Curriculum quality standards

ICM Categories 3 and 4; Care during labour and birth and Ongoing care of women and newborns.

Lancet Series; Evidence informed framework for maternal and newborn care.