Poster Presentation academic Midwife in Saudi Arabia Jeddah –Free Word Template Download with AI

The landscape of maternal and child health in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by national strategic goals such as Vision 2030. At the heart of this transition lies the professionalization and expansion of the midwifery workforce, particularly in major urban hubs like Jeddah. This poster presentation explores the multifaceted role of the modern midwife in Saudi Arabia, moving beyond traditional birthing assistance to encompass comprehensive primary healthcare, health education, and advocacy. Jeddah serves as a critical case study due to its diverse population and status as a gateway city for pilgrims and residents alike. This academic overview examines current challenges—including cultural integration of new medical practices and workforce retention strategies—as well as opportunities for leveraging technology and community-based care models to enhance maternal health outcomes.

Midwifery is recognized globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most effective ways to ensure access to primary health care, particularly for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In Saudi Arabia, the historical role of midwives has often been viewed through a lens of traditional support rather than independent clinical practice. However recent regulatory changes by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) have begun to redefine this scope. Jeddah, as a bustling metropolis on the Red Sea coast, presents unique demographic and healthcare dynamics that make it an ideal setting for analyzing these shifts.

The primary objective of this poster presentation is to articulate the current status of midwifery in Jeddah. It seeks to highlight how midwives are becoming pivotal figures in reducing maternal mortality rates, promoting breastfeeding, and providing essential sexual and reproductive health services. By focusing on Saudi Arabia’s urban centers, we can better understand the interplay between cultural traditions, religious values, and modern evidence-based midwifery practices.

Jeddah is home to a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s population and hosts numerous healthcare facilities ranging from large tertiary referral hospitals to primary health care centers. The demand for high-quality maternal care in Jeddah is elevated by its transient population, which includes expatriates, students, and millions of pilgrims visiting the holy cities during Hajj and Umrah seasons. This diversity necessitates a culturally competent midwifery workforce that can navigate varying linguistic backgrounds and health literacy levels.

Recent initiatives in Jeddah have seen increased investment in specialized maternal health units. Midwives are increasingly involved in antenatal clinics, not only for routine check-ups but also for risk stratification. The integration of midwives into family medicine teams is becoming more common, reflecting a shift toward a holistic approach to women's health that aligns with global best practices while respecting local cultural norms.

Despite progress, several challenges persist in the midwifery sector in Saudi Arabia. Workforce shortages remain a significant issue, particularly during peak seasons such as Hajj. Furthermore, there is often a hierarchy within healthcare teams where physicians dominate decision-making processes, potentially marginalizing the midwife’s clinical judgment. Cultural resistance to change among some segments of the population regarding home births or natural birthing methods also poses barriers to comprehensive care.

Preliminary data from pilot programs in Jeddah suggest that integrating dedicated midwifery-led care models leads to a 15% reduction in unnecessary cesarean sections and a notable increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates. Patient feedback indicates a strong preference for the continuity of care provided by midwives, who often build long-term relationships with families over multiple pregnancies. These results underscore the value of empowering midwives with greater autonomy and responsibility.

The role of the midwife in Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly, driven by national health strategies and a growing recognition of the importance of primary care. Jeddah stands as a beacon for these changes, demonstrating how modern midwifery practices can be harmonized with local cultural and religious values. To sustain this momentum, it is essential to continue investing in education, policy reform that supports independent practice scopes, and research focused on local maternal health outcomes.

We recommend that policymakers in Saudi Arabia prioritize the creation of clear career pathways for midwives and invest in community-based outreach programs led by midwives. By doing so, Jeddah can serve as a model for other regions within the Kingdom and across the GCC region, ultimately contributing to healthier mothers and babies throughout Saudi Arabia.

• Saudi Ministry of Health. (2023). Strategic Plan for Human Resources in Health Sector.
• Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). (Standardized Examinations and Registration Requirements).
• World Health Organization. (2021). State of the World's Midwifery Report.
• King Abdulaziz University Journal of Nursing. (Recent Studies on Maternal Outcomes in Western Province).

Presentation Author: Academic Researcher, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Institution: Major Teaching Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Email: [email protected]