Childbirth expectations and correlates at the final stage of pregnancy in Chinese expectant parents

The effect of shared decision-making in choosing the method of labor analgesia on childbirth experience among primiparous women

BACKGROUND

Childbearing women reported moderate and sometimes low levels of autonomy in decision-making with their health care providers especially about their pain relief type and which may affect their childbirth experience. There is limited evidence about the effect of shared decision-making about childbirth pain relief on childbirth experience and satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to assess the effect of shared decision-making in choosing the method of labor analgesia on childbirth experience and satisfaction among primiparous women.

METHODS

This interventional study was conducted on 66 primiparous women with 38-42 weeks gestational age and with symptoms of labor and childbirth onset. Women were assigned into the intervention and control groups in a ratio of 1: 1 using blocked randomization. The intervention group received shared decision making about the advantages and disadvantages of labor analgesia methods, and the control group received routine care. Questionnaires, including obstetrics and demographic characteristics, Labor Agentry Scale (LAS), McKay Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale (MCSRS), Support and Control In Birth (SCIB) were completed. Data were analyzed by SPSS24 software and independent t-test and ANCOVA were used.

RESULT

After the intervention, the mean score of childbirth experience in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [Mean Difference (MD): 6.77, 95% CI: 2.72 to 10.82, (P <0.001)]. Further, the mean score of childbirth satisfaction in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [MD: 19.06, 95% CI: 9.63 to 28.49, (P<0.001)]. The mean score of control and support during childbirth and its subscales in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group after the intervention [MD: 17.21, 95% CI: 9.40 to 25.03, (P <0.001)].

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that mothers should be involved in treatment decisions during childbirth since they are considered an important part of providing care during labor and childbirth.

Investigation of mothers' postpartum breastfeeding and comfort conditions

Our study explores the relationship between comfort and breastfeeding scores among 410 postpartum participants in Ankara, Turkey. We collected data through Lactation Rating System and a Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire. In our study, mean Lactation Rating System score was 8.33 ± 1.67 and Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire score was 122.06 ± 0.31. We found that mothers' successful breastfeeding was high and their comfort level was medium. We concluded that mothers' comfort levels had an impact on successful breastfeeding.

Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Childbirth Expectation of Adolescent Mothers in Indonesia

To identify a correlation between childbirth self efficacy and childbirth expectation of adolescent mothers in Indonesia, this cross-sectional study applied consecutive sampling. The sample was 135 adolescent mothers. Instruments utilized were structured questionnaire, including a demographic questionnaire, Child Birth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI), Childbirth Expectation Questionnaire (CEQ), Marital Adjustment Test (MAT), and London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP). All questionnaires were in Indonesian versions. The correlation of childbirth self-efficacy and childbirth expectation was analyzed using chi-square. Most adolescent mothers had low childbirth self-effication (63.7%). The results showed a significant correlation between childbirth self-efficacy and childbirth expectation of adolescent mothers (p = 0.003, OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.126 to 8.544). These results show that special assistance for adolescent mothers in facing childbirth is necessary to improve self-efficacy.

Birth Tourism Among Chinese Women

PURPOSE

To explore the reasons why some Chinese women travel to the United States on a tourist visa specifically to give birth, also known as birth tourism.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative, exploratory design.

METHODS

Using convenience and snowball sampling, Chinese women were recruited from the waiting rooms of obstetricians known to care for birth tourists. Participants completed demographic data and provided answers to questions about their reasons for traveling to give birth and their birth experience while in the United States. Qualitative content analysis methods were used to extract themes from participant narratives.

RESULTS

Twelve married, college-educated women, aged between 26 and 39 years, self-identifying as birth tourists from China participated in this study. Content analysis revealed two themes: (1) positive perceptions of childbirth in the United States; and (2) securing a future for their child.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Study findings suggest Chinese birth tourists come to the United States for a better childbirth experience, and to secure future opportunities for their children. Nurses should be aware of the current political climate on immigration and birth tourism in order to promote a safe and judgment-free environment when providing care to this unique population of women.