Respectful Maternity Care and Its Influence on Birth Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Background: Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) has emerged as a fundamental right in maternal health, promoting dignity, autonomy, and equity during childbirth. Despite global advocacy, disrespect and abuse during facility-based births remain prevalent, negatively affecting birth outcomes. Objective: This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the influence of RMC on birth outcomes and identify existing gaps in research and practice. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۴. Studies were selected based on relevance to RMC and its association with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Findings were summarized thematically. Results: The evidence indicates that RMC contributes to improved maternal satisfaction, reduced fear and anxiety, and higher facility-based birth rates. Interventions incorporating RMC principles have been linked to better intrapartum care, reduced mistreatment, and increased trust in healthcare systems. However, significant gaps exist in standard measurement tools, longitudinal outcomes, and integration of RMC into health systems and education. Conclusion: RMC is critical for positive birth experiences and outcomes. Efforts must focus on strengthening RMC implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings. Future research should address measurement challenges and evaluate long-term effects of RMC interventions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Respectful maternity care ، childbirth experience ، maternal health ، birth outcomes ، health policy ، patient rights