Midwifery theories: A scoping review.

Problem: The identification of midwifery theories will contribute to the identification of a midwifery model of care for women experiencing low-risk pregnancies, and to support its implementation in Portugal.

Background: Previous research has explored the concept of woman-centredness as the core principle underpinning midwifery practice, mapped existing midwifery models of care, synthesized multiple theories and the scope of midwifery to achieve conceptual integration, and identified the aspects of midwifery care that most significantly contribute to the quality of care for women and their babies. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no other review has mapped the theories that underpin midwifery practice.