Background:
Women die from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth and often in relation to delays in midwifery care. Professional hierarchies might hamper the rights and desires of midwives in provision of normal birth in terms of the provision of quality care to all women and newborns. In health systems where decision making in normal births are influence by doctors this is particularly relevant, with women themselves subordinate to all health care professionals. Aim: The aim of this meta-synthesis was to examine women’s and health care provider’s perceptions and experiences of bottlenecks in midwifery care related to availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of midwifery care. Method: This study was a qualitative meta-synthesis with a deductive approach, 15 article were selected for this qualitative meta-synthesis. A framework for the evaluation of quality of care and coverage of health services was used for the deductive approach. Results: Four categories emerged based on availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of care. The delays were due to less awareness of danger signs of severe complications in the community, and delays in decision making by male family members and less empowerment of women, and lack of collaboration between health care professionals. We also identified how to overcome this situation. Conclusion: Midwifes may provide quality maternal care to all women and children and earn trust from community people to promote normal pregnancy and birth and prevent delays when complications arise. Clinical implications: Midwives can provide continuity care and through collaboration with other health care professionals advocate for women empowerment.