“They delay them, and some died unattended.” Voices of midwives on barriers that delay pregnant women in seeking early medical intervention in Limpopo province of South Africa.

<ns5:p>Background Providing specialized treatment for maternal and child health is essential for medical health institutions. This study aimed to lower the rates of maternal and child mortality. Sadly, few women in the isolated rural villages of Limpopo province employ the services offered by professional healthcare experts, while the majority make use of those provided by traditional health practitioners. Aim This study aimed to explore and describe the voices of midwives (MW’s) regarding the barriers that delay pregnant women (PW) from seeking early medical interventions. Methods A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study included ten midwives recruited from the four respective primary health care facilities in the Vhembe and Capricorn districts within Limpopo province. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and analyzed using a thematic approach. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were maintained throughout this study. Results The study findings outlined barriers that delay pregnant women from seeking early medical attention, and the need for elderly women to be trained to participate in maternal health practices. Conclusion Elderly women provide maternal health advice based on cultural and traditional beliefs, which override all advice from health care professionals. Elderly women advice causes delays in seeking early medical intervention, especially in the deep rural areas of Limpopo province of South Africa. Recommendation Training elderly women to prevent delays in seeking medical intervention for pregnant women.</ns5:p>