Women's expectations of childbirth

Abstract

Women's beliefs and expectations regarding childbirth differ significantly from one another (Howell-White, 1999). The aim of this study was to explore first-time women's expectations of childbirth. To fulfill the study's aim, a quantitative approach was adopted and data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire, during December 2009 in the General Hospital of Malta. The sample included thirty pregnant women recruited by convenience sampling. Participants were at least 18 years old, primagravida, low-risk women and attending Parentcraft Classes. Data was analysed manually, using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results showed that nearly all first-time pregnant women (n=26, 86.7%) seemed to prefer normal vaginal birth as the mode of delivery. Although participants (n=20, 66.7%) considered childbirth classes helpful in their preparation for childbirth, they also sought other sources of information to prepare for childbirth. In fact relatives and family seemed to provide them with the most useful information about childbirth. VI omen in the present study reported mixed feelings about their impending birth experience. The participants expected the overall birth experience to be difficult (n=17, 56.7%), frightening (n=16, 53.3%) and painful (n=24, 80%). However, they also expected their overall birth experience to be wonderful (n=l9, 63.3%) and natural (n=16, 53.3%). Moreover, during the first stage of labour, participants expected to make use of both medical interventions (n=26, 86.7%) and narcotic analgesia (n=24, 80% ). This study also indicated that although women expected to stay in control (n=18, 60%) and not give in (n=16, 66.7%), participants showed neutral perception regarding their ability to bear and cope with pain during progress of labour. Moreover, almost all women declared that they expected the midwife to be highly supportive and they also held positive expectations regarding the baby. Results were compared with overseas studies. These results cannot be generalised to the whole population since a small convenience sample was used. Several recommendations were put forward. These include the need to reinforce the expertise of healthcare educator professionals and the need for midwives to promote realistic expectations of childbirth. There is also the need to repeat this study on a larger scale.