Care of women during labor and the postpartum period: is it adequate?

Sjeničić, Marta and Nikolić Popadić, Sofija (2025) Care of women during labor and the postpartum period: is it adequate? In: Book of Abstracts of 29th World Congress on Medical Law. World Association for Medical Law, Ankara, pp. 354-355. ISBN 978-605-136-919-8, 978-605-136-918-1

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Abstract

Every woman deserves a positive childbirth experience, which includes several essential rights: respect and dignity, the presence of a chosen companion, clear communication from maternity staff, pain relief options, and the ability to move and choose labor and birth positions. While clinical management of labor and childbirth is well understood, there is often insufficient focus on ensuring that women feel safe, comfortable, and positive about their experience. Maternal health reflects broader socioeconomic disparities, with significant differences between rich and poor populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that a positive childbirth experience should align with a woman’s personal and sociocultural beliefs and expectations in all settings. However, research reveals varied experiences of care during labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Key issues under review include decision-making about the mode of birth, voluntariness in choosing the birth method, the flow of information and communication with pregnant women (especially in high-risk pregnancies), informed consent and autonomy, postnatal care, respect for cultural differences, and the prevention of disrespect and abuse.

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