Nursing Interventions in Reducing Maternal Mortality Rates: SDG 3 & SDG 11

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health concern, with an estimated 287,000 women dying annually from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications, the majority of which are preventable. This secondary research paper examines the role of nursing interventions in reducing maternal mortality rates by synthesizing evidence from global studies, policy reports, and case evaluations. The findings reveal that nurses and midwives play pivotal roles across the continuum of maternal care, including antenatal monitoring, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric management, postpartum follow-up, and community health education. Their interventions have been linked to measurable improvements such as early detection of high-risk pregnancies, reduced complications from hemorrhage and eclampsia, and lower maternal mortality ratios in countries with strong nurse-led programs. Beyond clinical outcomes, nurses also contribute to patient empowerment and community awareness, addressing social and cultural barriers that delay care-seeking. However, systemic challenges—such as workforce shortages, lack of training, inadequate resources, and weak referral systems—limit the full potential of nursing interventions. Strengthening nursing interventions thus emerges as a transformative pathway toward preventing maternal deaths and ensuring safer motherhood worldwide.