What Does a Midwife Do in Pregnancy and Birth?

What does a midwife do in pregnancy and childbirth?

The figure of the midwife is essential in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. However, many people are still unclear about their role, how they differ from other healthcare professionals and how they can accompany them in a respectful and evidence-based way throughout this vital process.

In this article we explain what a midwife does during pregnancy and childbirth, what skills she has, how she can accompany you emotionally and clinically, and why she is key to a safe, informed and empowering motherhood experience.

What is a midwife?

A midwife is a health professional who specialises in the care of women's sexual, reproductive and perinatal health. Her training includes university studies in Nursing and an official specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology (EIR in Spain). It is trained to accompany women in all stages of the reproductive cycle, from adolescence to menopause, with special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the midwife plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and humanized care:

"Care provided by qualified midwives reduces maternal and neonatal mortality and improves the birth experience"

Functions of the midwife during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the midwife carries out a comprehensive clinical, emotional and educational follow-up. Here are some of its main functions:

• Normal pregnancy management: She makes regular visits to assess maternal and fetal well-being, monitor blood pressure, uterine growth, fetal heartbeat and other essential parameters.
• Maternal education: She gives sessions on childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and newborn care, providing evidence-based information adapted to each family.
• Emotional support and accompaniment: Active listening, emotional containment and resolution of doubts from a respectful and close approach.
• Early detection of complications: Although she does not treat complex pathologies, she is trained to identify warning signs and refer to gynecology if necessary.
• Promotion of autonomy: It promotes informed decisions, respecting the physiology of the pregnancy and the wishes of the woman.

The midwife accompanies, informs and cares continuously during pregnancy.

The role of the midwife in childbirth

In a normal childbirth, the midwife is the main caregiver. She has clinical, technical and emotional skills to accompany the woman from the beginning of labor until the birth of the baby. Its functions include:

• Assessment of the onset of labour: Examinations, uterine dynamics, fetal well-being and guidance on the right time to go to the hospital or birthing center.
• Attendance at normal childbirth: It controls the evolution of labor, facilitates postures, accompanies pushing and attends the birth safely.
• Ongoing Support: The midwife provides constant accompaniment, a factor that, according to studies, reduces the duration of labor and the use of unnecessary interventions.
• Prevention and basic management of complications: It is trained to act in initial obstetric emergencies and activate resources if the birth is complicated.
• Promotion of physiological labor: It favors respect for the body's natural times, avoiding unnecessary practices, if the situation allows it.

"Continuous accompaniment by a midwife during childbirth is associated with better outcomes for mother and baby, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience."

And after childbirth? Postnatal accompaniment

The work of the midwife does not end with birth. During the immediate postpartum period and the first weeks, it continues to be a key reference. Among its functions:

• Review of the mother's physical and emotional state (lochia, episiotomy or tears, caesarean section, mood).
• Support for breastfeeding from the first hour of life.
• Newborn assessment: weight, skin, elimination, suction, bonding.
• Detecting signs of postpartum depression or adjustment difficulties.
• Resolution of frequently asked questions: cord care, sleep, breastfeeding, feeding, etc.

Many midwives also offer home visits or postnatal consultations to ensure a safe and accompanied recovery.

Midwife or gynecologist? Who am I carrying the pregnancy with?

The midwife not only controls clinical parameters, but also accompanies women and families in a comprehensive way, offering trust, information, empathy and respect. Their presence can make a huge difference in the experience of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

If you are pregnant, seek to meet your midwife, ask her your doubts and trust her knowledge. She is much more than a professional: she is an ally.