WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT VAGINAL BIRTH

Awa Sanyang1, Shilpa Reddy1, Andrew Demetri4, Anna Davies4, Sheelagh McGuinness4, Katherine Birchenall4, Danya Bakhbakhi3,4, Christy Burden 3,4, Carol Kingdon5, Abi Merriel5

Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust1, Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust2, North Bristol NHS Foundation Trust3, University of Bristol4, University of Liverpool5

BACKGROUND: Women’s birth experiences are shaped by their expectations and the clarity of information about birth options, interventions, pain relief and postnatal care.

OBJECTIVES: To explore what information women think is essential as they prepare for labour and birth.

METHODS: 17 semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed (13 postnatal and 4 antenatal). Thematic analysis was used to formulate themes and interpret the data.

RESULTS:

THEME 1: ESSENTIAL ANTENATAL INFORMATION

Structured antenatal education, including

clear timelines for discussing birth plans and

emergencies, helps parents make informed

decisions and feel prepared for labour and

birth..

“There was no real information given so I had

to look at it myself, and I was getting

information from unreliable sources. It did

make me more anxious. “

THEME 2: AVAILABLE MATERNITY SERVICES

Understanding available birth options such as

induction, home or water birth, and available pain

relief helps parents make informed decisions that

reflect their values and preferences.

“They didn’t really discuss anything with me

before I went into labour,...I hadn’t been asked

whether I wanted a water birth or home birth, I

had literally been asked nothing.”

THEME 3: LABOUR AND BIRTH EXPECTATIONS

Knowing what to expect during labour; including

possible interventions and the role of support

network helped participants feel more confident,

less anxious, and better prepared for the

experience.

”But in the medical setting especially I would

prefer to make sure that people are asking

permission before just blindly doing things.”

THEME 4: KEY POSTNATAL INFORMATION

Expectant parents valued clear postnatal care

information, which helped reduce uncertainty and

supported a more positive recovery experience..

“It seems to be all about the pregnancy and the baby,

but they don’t actually talk about your delivery

afterwards”.

CONCLUSION:

This study highlights the value of delivering clear, timely information to expectant parents, which can enhance their experience and

satisfaction. These findings can inform healthcare practices and policies to better support families with empathy and efficiency.