"Beyond Survival: The Pivotal Role of Obstetric and Gynecological Nurses in Early Prediction and Prevention of Maternal Near-Miss Events"

Abstract: Maternal near-miss events, defined as instances where women survive severe, life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or within the postpartum period, have emerged as a crucial indicator of the quality of maternal healthcare services. While maternal mortality has traditionally been the focus of global health initiatives, increasing attention is now being directed toward maternal near-miss cases as they provide valuable insights into systemic gaps, clinical delays, and opportunities for prevention. Obstetric and gynecological (OBG) nurses play a central role in the early identification, timely intervention, and prevention of such critical events due to their continuous presence, clinical vigilance, and close interaction with pregnant women across all levels of care. This review article examines the concept of maternal near-miss, its epidemiology, causes, and consequences, and critically analyzes the multifaceted role of OBG nurses in early prediction and prevention. Emphasis is placed on nursing assessment skills, early warning systems, risk stratification, emergency preparedness, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The article further explores challenges faced by nurses in low-resource settings and highlights evidence-based strategies, training needs, and policy implications to strengthen nursing contributions toward reducing severe maternal morbidity. Strengthening the role of OBG nurses is essential for improving maternal outcomes and achieving global maternal health goals.