Expanded Related Readings on Maternal Care in Labor or Delivery Room
Maternal care during labor and delivery is a critical component of reproductive health, with
recent literature focusing on improving both clinical outcomes and the overall birthing
experience. According to the World Health Organization (2023), intrapartum care should be
grounded in the principles of respect, dignity, and evidence-based practices. Their updated
recommendations advocate for minimizing unnecessary medical interventions while
ensuring effective pain relief options and continuous emotional support. These measures
not only enhance maternal satisfaction but also reduce the risks of complications for both
the mother and the newborn.
One of the most comprehensive resources in this field is 'Williams Obstetrics' by
Cunningham et al. (2022), which outlines the physiological processes of labor and offers
detailed guidance on clinical management. The book emphasizes the importance of using
tools such as the partograph to monitor labor progress and warns against delays in
managing conditions like fetal distress or uterine rupture. It also discusses emerging
technologies and practices, such as the use of electronic fetal monitoring and updated
cesarean section protocols.
Another significant area of focus is the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which
remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. The American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2022) provides in-depth guidance on managing the
third stage of labor through active interventions including oxytocin administration,
controlled cord traction, and uterine massage. The bulletin also addresses emergency
procedures such as intrauterine balloon tamponade and surgical interventions for cases
that do not respond to first-line treatments.
In addition to clinical interventions, psychosocial support during labor has been shown to
improve outcomes. A meta-analysis by Bohren et al. (2021) found that women who received
continuous support from a doula or a companion of their choice had shorter labor
durations, less need for pain medication, and higher levels of satisfaction with the birthing
experience. These findings underscore the importance of compassionate care and the
inclusion of birth companions as standard practice.
Infection prevention is another key consideration, particularly in low- and middle-income
countries. A study by Devi, Sharma, and Adhikari (2023) demonstrated that strict adherence
to infection control measures—such as proper hand hygiene, the use of sterile gloves, and
disinfected delivery environments—significantly reduced incidences of maternal and
neonatal sepsis. The authors recommend ongoing staff training and the implementation of
standardized protocols to maintain high safety standards.
In the Philippine context, the Department of Health (2023) promotes the Essential
Intrapartum and Newborn Care (EINC) protocol, which includes the widely-implemented
‘Unang Yakap’ or ‘First Embrace’ initiative. This protocol mandates immediate skin-to-skin
contact between mother and newborn, delayed umbilical cord clamping, and early initiation
of breastfeeding. These practices not only improve newborn survival but also enhance
maternal bonding and thermal regulation.
The Philippine Nurses Association (2023) further elaborates on the vital role of nurses in
labor and delivery settings. Nurses are responsible for continuous monitoring of maternal
vital signs, documenting labor progression using the partograph, administering medications
such as oxytocin, and providing emotional support throughout the birthing process. Their
clinical judgment and presence at the bedside are essential in identifying early signs of
complications and ensuring timely referral to higher levels of care.
Altogether, these expanded readings reflect the multi-dimensional nature of maternal care
in labor and delivery rooms. By integrating respectful communication, clinical efficiency,
psychosocial support, and infection prevention, healthcare providers can significantly
improve both maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). Practice bulletin no. 233:
Postpartum hemorrhage. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 139(4), e227–e252.
https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004701
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2021). Continuous
support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8),
CD003766. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
Cunningham, F. G., Leveno, K. J., Bloom, S. L., Dashe, J. S., Hoffman, B. L., Casey, B. M., & Spong,
C. Y. (2022). Williams obstetrics (26th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Devi, R., Sharma, N., & Adhikari, P. (2023). Infection control in delivery rooms and its effect
on maternal-neonatal outcomes: A study in Southeast Asia. International Journal of Nursing
Studies, 135, 104359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104359
Department of Health – Philippines. (2023). Essential intrapartum and newborn care
(EINC): Protocols and updates. Department of Health.
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/EINC2023.pdf
Philippine Nurses Association. (2023). Maternal and newborn nursing clinical guidelines.
Philippine Nurses Association Publications.
World Health Organization. (2023). WHO recommendations: Intrapartum care for a positive
childbirth experience (2nd ed.). World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240068244
