Women experiencing the second stage of labour for the first time: A qualitative free-text analysis within the Oneplus trial

Abstract

Title

Women experiencing the second stage of labour for the first time: a qualitative free-text analysis within the Oneplus trial.

Background

The second stage of labour is the time from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby. The risks to the woman and the baby are increased during this stage, leading to intensified midwifery care. A positive birth experience is a significant goal of intrapartum care and it is important to investigate how women experience the second stage of labour in particular.

Aim

The aim was to explore women’s experiences of the second stage of labour in their first vaginal birth.

Methods

This qualitative study analysed data from the Oneplus trial’s one-month postpartum follow-up questionnaire. The questionnaire included an open-ended question about the second stage of labour and the free-text answers were analysed using inductive and manifest qualitative content analysis.

Results

The open-ended question was answered by 865 women and three categories emerged. In the first category, women described their physical and emotional sensations during this stage. The other two categories concerned women’s relationship with midwives. The relationship was a major contributor to a positive experience but also had the opposite potential. Midwives’ use of instructions mostly regarded pushing technique. When women were given instructions, it could lead to feelings of blame instead of accomplishment.

Conclusions

The result showed the essentiality of midwifery care during the second stage of labour, as it contained both emotional support and guidance which affected the women’s experiences positively. The experience of being instructed by the midwife during the second stage of labour is more complex and needs further research.