Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Contemporary Obstetric Interventions: A Systematic Review

Labour and delivery interventions play an important role in maternal and neonatal care, particularly when labour progress is delayed, fetal well-being is uncertain, or high-risk obstetric conditions are present. Current literature often examines these interventions separately, whereas clinical practice typically involves overlapping decisions regarding induction, augmentation, monitoring, caesarean timing, operative delivery, and newborn care. This review narratively summarised findings from 10 completed studies examining maternal, delivery, surgical, and neonatal outcomes across distinct obstetric interventions. As each intervention was represented by only one or two primary studies, the findings were presented as intervention-specific evidence and interpreted with appropriate caution. A systematic review approach was followed, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Database searching identified 337 records; after duplicate removal, screening, and eligibility assessment, 10 studies were included. The studies covered labour induction, oxytocin augmentation, electronic fetal monitoring, placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum, caesarean delay, operative vaginal delivery, episiotomy, manual rotation, and essential newborn care practices. Combined misoprostol and Foley balloon use shortened the induction-to-delivery time, while sequential Foley use after misoprostol was linked to longer labour and a higher rate of caesarean delivery. Continuous fetal monitoring increased operative delivery without a clear neonatal benefit in low-risk labour. Planned delivery improved outcomes in placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum, while caesarean delay increased severe maternal outcomes. Mediolateral episiotomy reduced obstetric anal sphincter injury in selected operative deliveries. Overall, timely, selective, and risk-based obstetric care appears essential for improving maternal and neonatal safety.