Promoting Maternal Health: The Contribution of Midwives and Nurses to Healthy Lifestyles and Vital Sign Monitoring in pregnancy

Abstract

Midwives and obstetrical nurses play a crucial role in promoting maternal health during pregnancy through lifestyle counseling and vital sign monitoring. Despite the known benefits of healthy nutrition and physical activity, many pregnant women do not meet the recommended guidelines due to various factors, including lack of knowledge, safety concerns, and insufficient guidance from healthcare professionals. Midwives and obstetrical nurses are well-positioned to provide continuous, personalized support to expectant mothers, but they often face barriers such as inadequate education, time constraints, and lack of resources. To effectively deliver lifestyle interventions, these professionals require structured training that enhances their knowledge, skills, and confidence in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and communication. Continuity of care models and brief, focused educational programs have shown promise in improving midwives' competence and self-efficacy. Additionally, vital sign monitoring, particularly blood pressure measurement, is a fundamental aspect of antenatal care where midwives contribute significantly to early detection and management of complications. By integrating lifestyle counseling with routine clinical assessments, midwives and obstetrical nurses can foster a more comprehensive approach to maternal health promotion. Investing in the education and support of these healthcare professionals is essential for improving maternal and fetal outcomes and advancing equitable, effective maternity care.