Impact of midwife-led continuous support during childbirth on maternal outcomes, psychological resilience, and labor pain in primiparas: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between integrated midwife-led continuous labor support with postpartum care and maternal and neonatal outcomes, psychological resilience, and labor pain in primiparous women.

METHODS

Medical records of 150 nulliparous women who delivered at Beijing Ditan Hospital between October 2023 and July 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. The observation group received continuous midwife-led support during labor with extended postpartum care, while the control group received standard obstetric care. Outcomes were assessed using the Labor and Delivery Efficiency and Quality Index (LBDI), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Delivery Pain Assessment System (DPAS), and Pain Tolerance-Recovery Response Index (PTRR). Relevant clinical data were analyzed to explore associated factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the observation group showed higher composite LBDI scores (8.43 ± 0.57 vs. 7.77 ± 0.65, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.09), higher spontaneous vaginal delivery rates (95% vs. 76%, p < 0.001), and higher 5-minute Apgar scores (9.4 ± 0.4 vs. 8.8 ± 0.6, p < 0.001), along with reduced postpartum hemorrhage and lower incidence of fetal distress (all p < 0.05). Psychological resilience and labor pain responses were better in the observation group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Integrated midwife-led labor support with postpartum continuity of care was associated with better delivery outcomes and higher psychological resilience scores in primiparous women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm causality.