Time to rectify past mistakes and take a woman-centred approach to labour progress

In this article, the authors discuss a woman-centred approach to labour progress using an awareness of the physiological variations which exist in labour and they highlight the current WHO recommendations for labour progress. There is a call to action to protect the emotional and psychological well-being of women. This can be done through informed consent and valuing HOW we communicate with women as being equally important as WHAT happens during the birth process. Therefore, midwives and obstetricians should encompass an awareness of respectful communication in intrapartum care and be mindful of the language used. Supporting choice and control and empowering autonomy in women needs to be prioritized. Thus, maternity needs to take ownership and responsibility for the effects of past mistakes and move towards woman-centred care.