Background
A traumatic or distressing childbirth experience may contribute to fear of birth in a subsequent pregnancy. These experiences are not always visible to clinicians, and some women may not disclose them. Early identification may help prevent re-traumatisation and improve maternity care experiences.
Aims
To use a modified Delphi co-designed Subsequent Pregnancy Screening Tool to establish the prevalence of previously experienced traumatic birth and/or current fear of birth, and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of using the tool in an antenatal clinic.
Methods
This was phase 2 of a multi-method research program. Clinicians asked multiparous women the two-question screening tool in a tertiary antenatal clinic. Women who indicated previous negative birth/maternity care experience and/or a current fear of birth, and the clinicians, were invited to complete an online survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Findings
Of 235 women screened, 130 (55%) reported a previous negative birth/maternity experience and/or a current fear of birth. Survey responses from 57 women indicated that 96.5% felt comfortable answering the questions, with 26 (46%) unsure or unwilling to disclose a prior negative experience unless asked. Women appreciated acknowledgment and validation. Thirty-nine clinicians responded: 82% agreed that the SPST imposed no time burden, and 75% reported that it identified and helped acknowledge otherwise undisclosed experiences, to commence shared decision-making.
Conclusion
Women found the screening tool acceptable and valued acknowledgment of their experiences and current feelings, which made the invisible visible. Clinicians confirmed the SPST’s acceptability and feasibility in antenatal settings.
扫码关注我们
求助内容:
应助结果提醒方式:
