By PPH Foundation

International Nurses Day, 12th May

Postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths globally, and its outcomes are strongly shaped by the strength of frontline nursing care. From early recognition of excessive bleeding to rapid initiation of life saving interventions, nurses and midwives are central to preventing maternal deaths. In the context of PPH, every minute counts, and the presence of skilled nursing staff often determines whether a woman survives childbirth complications.

Recent evidence continues to reinforce the critical role of nursing in PPH management. A 2026 quality improvement study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that structured, evidence-based nursing protocols significantly reduced postpartum blood loss, improved coagulation outcomes, and lowered adverse events among women experiencing PPH, demonstrating the measurable impact of skilled nursing interventions on survival outcomes. Similarly, a 2025 scoping review published in BMC Nursing highlights that interprofessional collaboration, with nurses at the core, improves timely diagnosis and coordinated management of PPH, leading to better maternal outcomes.

Further research also shows that nurses play a decisive role in early detection of maternal clinical deterioration during labour and the immediate postpartum period, where subtle signs such as changes in vital signs or bleeding patterns can be the first indicators of PPH. Evidence from nursing practice studies also confirms that targeted training and structured education significantly improve nurses’ knowledge and response capacity in managing postpartum haemorrhage, directly translating into better clinical outcomes.

Dr Eunice Atsali, Co-Lead of the End PPH Initiative, underscores the centrality of nursing in maternal survival.

“Nurses and midwives are the first responders in postpartum haemorrhage. Their ability to detect early signs, initiate rapid response, and coordinate care is what often determines whether a mother lives or dies. Investing in nursing is not optional, it is essential for ending preventable maternal deaths,” says Dr Atsali.

As countries mark International Nurses Day, the evidence is clear. Strengthening nursing capacity, ensuring continuous training, and investing in supportive health systems are among the most effective strategies to reduce maternal mortality from postpartum haemorrhage. Nursing is not only a workforce pillar; it is a lifesaving intervention in itself.

Sources

1. Chen Y et al. Effectiveness of evidence-based nursing protocols in managing postpartum hemorrhage. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2026.
2. Zenani NE et al. Interprofessional collaborative practices in preventing and managing postpartum haemorrhage. BMC Nursing, 2025.
3. Alenezi AA et al. Nursing and midwifery roles in early recognition of maternal deterioration. International Journal of Computational and Experimental Science and Engineering, 2024.
4. Thakur R et al. Impact of structured educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge of PPH management. Journal of Community Health Management, 2026.
5. Image by Freepik