1
|
Kitamura T, Takegata M, Usui Y, Ohashi Y, Sohda S, Takeda J, Saito T, Kasai Y, Watanabe H, Haruna M, Takeda S. Tokophobia: Psychopathology and Diagnostic Consideration of Ten Cases. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:519. [PMID: 38470630 PMCID: PMC10931235 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tokophobia is regarded as the intensive fear of childbirth that some pregnant women have. However, little is known about the psychopathological details of tokophobia (fear of childbirth). Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 10 pregnant women (nine nulliparae and one multipara) with a strong fear of childbirth were referred by obstetricians. Semi-structured psychopathological interviews were conducted, and two cases were judged to have obsession, three an overvalued idea, and one secondary delusion. Three were characterised by both obsession and overvalued idea and one by both obsession and secondary delusion. In total, six cases had features of an overvalued idea. All of the participants except one had a lifetime history of a specific phobia. In addition, their history included social phobia in two cases, panic disorder in one case, obsessive-compulsive disorder (other than tokophobia) in two cases, depressive disorder in two cases, bipolar disorder in two cases, and PTSD in six cases. To conclude, this study showed that tokophobia was not a phobic disorder but a kind of overvalued idea that requires specific assessment and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Kitamura
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
- Kitamura KOKORO Clinic Mental Health, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- T. and F. Kitamura Foundation for Mental Health Research and Skill Advancement, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mizuki Takegata
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
| | - Yuriko Usui
- Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, the Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan; (Y.U.)
| | - Yukiko Ohashi
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
- Nursing Faculty, Josai International University, Togane 283-0002, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sohda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Jun Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (J.T.); (S.T.)
| | - Tomomi Saito
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
- Aiiku Research Institute for Maternal, Child Health and Welfare, Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Kasai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo 150-8935, Japan
| | | | - Megumi Haruna
- Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, the Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan; (Y.U.)
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (J.T.); (S.T.)
- Aiiku Research Institute for Maternal, Child Health and Welfare, Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pidd D, Newton M, Wilson I, East C. Optimising maternity care for a subsequent pregnancy after a psychologically traumatic birth: A scoping review. Women Birth 2023; 36:e471-e480. [PMID: 37024378 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological birth trauma is recognised as a significant and ubiquitous sequelae from childbirth, with the incidence reported as up to 44%. In a subsequent pregnancy, women have reported a range of psychological distress symptoms from anxiety, panic attacks, depression, sleep difficulties and suicidal thoughts. AIM To summarise evidence on optimising a positive pregnancy and birth experience for a subsequent pregnancy following a psychologically traumatic pregnancy and identify research gaps. METHODS This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR check list. Six databases were searched using key words relating to psychological birth trauma and subsequent pregnancy. Utilising agreed criteria, relevant papers were identified, and data were extracted and synthesised. RESULTS A total of 22 papers met the inclusion criteria for this review. All papers addressed different aspects of what was important to women in this cohort, summarised as women wanting to be at the centre of their care. Pathways of care were diverse ranging from free birth to elective caesarean. There was no systematic process for identifying a previously traumatic birth experience and no education to enable clinicians to understand the importance of this. CONCLUSION For women who have experienced a previous psychologically traumatic birth, being at the centre of their care, in their subsequent pregnancy, is a priority. Embedding woman-centred pathways of care for women with this experience, as well as multidisciplinary education on the recognition and prevention of birth trauma, should be a research priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Pidd
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
| | - Michelle Newton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Ingrid Wilson
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Christine East
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Souto SPAD, Silva RCGD, Prata AP, Guerra MJ, Couto C, Albuquerque RSD. Midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women: a scoping review. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:2867-2935. [PMID: 35976033 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to map and analyze midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. INTRODUCTION Fear of childbirth is a phenomenon negatively affecting women's health and well-being before and during pregnancy. Over the past few decades, there has been growing research interest in interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. One of the challenges in midwifery care is to provide an appropriate model of care for pregnant women with fear of childbirth. Further research efforts are needed to identify midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women and to examine their characteristics. INCLUSION CRITERIA This scoping review considered studies that included midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Specifically, interventions were led and/or implemented by midwives during the antenatal period, and integrating all possible midwifery practice settings. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies were included. This review also considered systematic reviews, text and opinion papers, and conference abstracts. METHODS The JBI methodology for conducting scoping reviews was used. Published and unpublished literature in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from January 1981 to October 2020 was included. MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, MedicLatina, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. Searches for gray literature were also undertaken on the Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, British Library EThOS, OvidSP Resource Center, Banco de Teses da CAPES, and OpenGrey. A three-step search strategy was followed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was used. Two independent reviewers extracted the data using a data extraction tool developed specifically for this scoping review. RESULTS A total of 3704 articles were identified and screened, of which 34 articles were included. The majority of studies had been published in the past 10 years (88%) in Scandinavian countries or Australia (79%). Several midwives' antenatal interventions were found, such as midwife-led team models of care. Midwives played a facilitator role that varied across the included studies. In 20 studies (59%), midwives led and implemented the interventions alone ( n = 13; 38%) or with the participation of other health professionals ( n = 7; 21%). In the remaining 14 studies (41%), midwives were part of a multidisciplinary team that included different health professionals (mainly obstetricians and psychologists) who had been involved in delivering interventions alongside midwives or with minor participation from midwives. Counseling ( n = 12; 35%) and psychoeducation ( n = 8; 24%) were the most common midwife interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Midwives working across their full scope of practice play a pivotal role in reducing fear of childbirth, which may explain the variety of midwives' antenatal interventions. Reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women and promoting normal childbirth as a positive experience are key features of midwives' interventions, which should include women's empowerment measures. Evidence-based midwife-led intervention programs for pregnant women with fear of childbirth should be designed and tested to improve clinical practice as well as women's reproductive outcomes and perinatal experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Patrícia Arantes do Souto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal.,Maternity unit, Hospital Center Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
| | - Rosa Carla Gomes da Silva
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC).,Portugal Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Nursing School of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Prata
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Guerra
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Couto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal.,Maternity unit, Hospital Center Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ringqvist AK, Bergqvist L, Brezicka T, Lundgren I. Time-out in prolonged labour: development of a care model to prevent secondary fear of childbirth. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2022-001853. [PMID: 36223956 PMCID: PMC9562310 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-001853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During qualitative improvement work, the statistics at the hospital reveal prolonged labour as one of the major causes of secondary fear of childbirth (FOC). The aim of this improvement work was to develop and implement a care process for prolonged labour to prevent secondary FOC. Materials and methods To explore the factors behind secondary FOC among multiparous women, a follow-up of referral reasons for 600 women with severe FOC was made between 2015 and 2017 at a Swedish University Hospital. In the group with the most common factor, namely prolonged labour, 41 women were interviewed. From their answers, further research and existing professional knowledge, a care process to prevent secondary FOC was designed, ‘Time-out in prolonged labour’ (the Time-out). To improve the quality of the care process, the functional resonance analysis method was used. The findings from the interviews were categorised into three themes: lack of involvement; lack of communication and information; and lack of care plan. The women explained that if these areas had been fulfilled, it may have reduced their FOC. Result To prevent the above-mentioned themes, ‘Time-out in prolonged labour’ was developed with supporting factors such as gathering the interprofessional team, collecting information, dialogue within the team and the involvement of the women when deciding the care plan. Result after implementation shows a reduction of referral reason due to prolonged labour for women with severe FOC from 28% in 2016 to 8.5% in 2020. Conclusions The Time-out is a good model to prevent secondary FOC. Central aspects of the model are to ensure women’s involvement, good communication and a documented care plan for women in prolonged labour. The supporting factor of interprofessional teamwork is of importance when using the Time-out in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Brezicka
- Quality and safety department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Ingela Lundgren
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kaya N, Guler H. Online solution-focused psychoeducation as a new intervention for treating severe fear of childbirth: A randomized controlled trial in the pandemic period. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:2116-2126. [PMID: 35119113 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine the effect of solution-focused psychoeducation (SFP) and childbirth preparation training (CPT) on women's fear of childbirth and self-efficacy. METHODS This randomized controlled trial was carried out at the family health center in Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 119 healthy primigravid women. These women were randomized into the SFP group (n = 39), CPT group (n = 40), and control group care (n = 40). FINDINGS After the intervention, the women in the experiment groups had decreased fear of childbirth and increased self-efficacy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Midwifery care based on education and counseling provided by online synchronous video conferencing method during the pandemic period is an effective and safe method in reducing fear of childbirth in women and increasing their self-efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurdan Kaya
- Midwifery Department, Health Sciences Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Handan Guler
- Child Development Department, Vocational School of Health Care, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eidouzaei F, Amiri-Farahani L, Mohammadi A, Pezaro S. Exploring the Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Educations on Childbirth Self-efficacy, Childbirth Fear, and Adaptation of Maternal Role Among Primiparous Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10942-022-00472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
7
|
Dai L, Shen Q, Redding SR, Ouyang YQ. Simulation-based childbirth education for Chinese primiparas: A pilot randomized controlled trial. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2266-2274. [PMID: 33663905 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of simulation-based childbirth education (SBCE) on reducing fear of childbirth (FOC) of Chinese primiparas. METHODS A total of 56 primiparas completed the trial including 26 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. The intervention group received four sessions of SBCE while the control group received routine prenatal care. Chinese versions of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ-A) and Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI) were used to evaluate FOC and childbirth self-efficacy. Birth outcomes including delivery method, labor duration and Apgar scores were collected. RESULTS Scores on the WDEQ-A of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The CBSEI scores of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The cesarean birth rate of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group (34.61% vs 46.67%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Simulation-based childbirth education alleviates FOC, increases childbirth self-efficacy and improves birth outcomes, providing a new perspective to alleviate FOC of primiparas in the future. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Simulation-based childbirth education is an effective and feasible method to educate women about childbirth. Its integration into routine prenatal care of Chinese primiparas should be encouraged to reduce FOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Dai
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Quan Shen
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bryanton J, Beck CT, Morrison S. When Fear Surrounding Childbirth Leads Women to Request a Planned Cesarean Birth. West J Nurs Res 2021; 44:643-652. [PMID: 33882757 PMCID: PMC9136365 DOI: 10.1177/01939459211010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fear surrounding childbirth requires a more in-depth understanding from
women’s perspectives, especially those who request a planned cesarean
due to that fear. Therefore, we explored primiparous and multiparous
women’s lived experiences of fear surrounding childbirth in relation
to their decision to request a planned cesarean birth. We used
Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method to interview 16 women from 4
provinces and to analyze the data. Women expressed numerous fears and
most experienced more than one fear. Most feared their baby/babies
being injured or dying during childbirth or developing complications
themselves. Others feared experiencing a traumatic birth. Women
described numerous emotional and physical manifestations of fear, and
all believed that a planned cesarean birth would provide more control
over the birth process. For some, the birth of their healthy
baby/babies began a healing process, whereas others noted that their
fear subsided or resolved upon confirmation that they would have a
planned cesarean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Bryanton
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Morrison
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yoosefi Lebni J, Khalajabadi Farahani F, Solhi M, Ebadi Fard Azar F. Causes and Grounds of Childbirth Fear and Coping Strategies Used by Kurdish Adolescent Pregnant Women in Iran: A Qualitative Study. J Reprod Infertil 2021; 22:47-56. [PMID: 33680885 PMCID: PMC7903670 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v22i1.4995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of childbirth is one of the most common problems among pregnant women that can threaten their and their baby's health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the causes and grounds of childbirth fear and the strategies used by pregnant adolescent women in Iran to overcome such fears. METHODS In this study, which was conducted among primiparous Kurdish women in Iran, conventional qualitative content analysis was used. Data were selected through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Data saturation was reached with 15 participants. The Lincoln and Guba criteria were used to strengthen the research. RESULTS After analyzing the data, two main categories were resulted. The first category was fear of childbirth with subcategories of fear of child health, fear of childbirth process, fears about inappropriate medical staff performance, fears about hospital environment, and postpartum fears. The second category was strategies to reduce childbirth fear with subcategories of choosing appropriate medical centers, increasing information on childbirth, avoiding stressful sources, improving self-care, getting prepared for delivery day in advance, and resorting to spirituality. CONCLUSION Pregnancy in adult age is better than adolescent age. The women's fear can be reduced by increasing their assurance about child health, providing appropriate training during pregnancy, explaining the whole process of childbirth and making it easier, improving the hospital environment and medical staff specialization, as well as providing appropriate conditions for further care and support after birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javad Yoosefi Lebni
- Department of Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Khalajabadi Farahani
- Department of Population and Health, National Population Studies and Comprehensive Management Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Solhi
- Department of Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar
- Department of Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wigert H, Nilsson C, Dencker A, Begley C, Jangsten E, Sparud-Lundin C, Mollberg M, Patel H. Women's experiences of fear of childbirth: a metasynthesis of qualitative studies. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2020; 15:1704484. [PMID: 31858891 PMCID: PMC6968519 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2019.1704484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Women’s experiences of pregnancy, labour and birth are for some pregnant women negative and they develop a fear of childbirth, which can have consequences for their wellbeing and health. The aim was to synthesize qualitative literature to deepen the understanding of women’s experiences of fear of childbirth. Methods: A systematic literature search and a meta-synthesis that included 14 qualitative papers. Results: The main results demonstrate a deepened understanding of women’s experiences of fear of childbirth interpreted through the metaphor “being at a point of no return”. Being at this point meant that the women thought there was no turning back from their situation, further described in the three themes: To suffer consequences from traumatic births, To lack warranty and understanding, and To face the fear. Conclusions: Women with fear of childbirth are need of support that can meet their existential issues about being at this point of no return, allowing them to express and integrate their feelings, experiences and expectations during pregnancy, childbirth and after birth. Women with fear after birth, i.e., after an earlier negative birth experience, need support that enables them to regain trust in maternity care professionals and their willingness to provide them with good care that offers the support that individual women require. Women pregnant for the first time require similar support to reassure them that other’s experiences will not happen to them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wigert
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Neonatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Nilsson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Anna Dencker
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecily Begley
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Chair of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elisabeth Jangsten
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Sparud-Lundin
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margareta Mollberg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Harshida Patel
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lyckestam Thelin I, Lundgren I, Nilsson C. To challenge oneself as a childbearing woman-the lived experience of vaginal birth after caesarean section in Sweden. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2019; 14:1605784. [PMID: 31046655 PMCID: PMC6507961 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2019.1605784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a need to gain deeper knowledge about women's experience of vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC). Considerable research has been conducted on VBAC; however, only a few qualitative studies focus on women's experiences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the lived experiences of VBAC among women resident in Sweden, a country with a high VBAC rate. METHOD This studywas performed in accordance with a phenomenological reflective lifeworld approach. Interviews were conducted with nine women in an urban region of Sweden one year after their VBAC birth. RESULTS The essential meaning of the studied phenomenon is "to challenge oneself as a childbearing woman", which is further described by its four constituents: "striving for support from professionals", "desiring the experience", "contrasting and comparing memories of two different births" and "being part of the birthing culture". CONCLUSIONS The experience of VBAC meant regained trust in the ability to give birth vaginally. The women lacked follow-up and support after the caesarean section (CS), during the subsequent pregnancy and the forthcoming VBAC. Enhanced support could be a key factor in helping women meeting the challenge and feel confident about giving birth vaginally despite their previous experiences of CS. ABBREVIATIONS VBAC: vaginal birth after caesarean section; CS: caesarean section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Lyckestam Thelin
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingela Lundgren
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Nilsson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|