The majority of approximately 140 million births that occur globally every year are among women without risk factors for complications for themselves or their babies at the beginning and throughout labour. Nevertheless, the time of birth is critical
to the survival of women and their babies, as the risk of morbidity and mortality could increase considerably if complications arise. In line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3 – ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages – and the new Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030), global agendas are expanding their focus to ensure that women and their babies not only survive labour complications if they occur but also that they thrive and reach their full potential for health and life.