Do women have a choice when it comes to fetal monitoring? Perceptions of information provided and choice of fetal monitoring in Australia: A national survey

Abstract

Intro

In Australia, little research has examined how women and people participate in decision-making about types of fetal monitoring, or their perceptions of information provided by caregivers.

Methods

A national cross-sectional survey, the ‘Women’s experiences Of Monitoring Baby’ (WOMB) Study, explored women’s experiences of intrapartum fetal monitoring. This study reports on selected results.

Results

There were 861 responses. Of respondents, 20 % reported receiving enough information about types of fetal monitoring from care providers and childbirth education, 35 % recalled being asked for consent, and 34 % were unaware they had a choice in monitoring. Most women (86 %) obtained information via ‘other’ sources or own reading, and where monitoring was discussed, it was most likely a ‘brief discussion’ with a midwife (43 %).

Women who were monitored via wired CTG (35 %) were more likely to report facing barriers to choosing their preferred monitoring type, (p<0.001). Wired CTG was significantly associated with hospital type and primiparity and 70 % indicated they would not choose it again (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Women did not know they had a choice in the type of intrapartum monitoring received, and felt they had insufficient information to make informed decisions. While monitoring via intermittent doppler and wireless CTG was preferred, women experienced barriers to receiving these, especially in public hospitals in rural/regional areas and private metropolitan hospitals. Antenatal models of care and childbirth education are underutilised avenues for providing information however, it is incumbent on maternity systems to provide adequate information resources, access to equipment and appropriate models of woman-centred and humane care.