Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Monis, Malitha;O'Connell, Rhona;Andrews, Tom
2022
November
Midwifery
'It will dictate how many children I will have"- Women's decision-making in pregnancy following a previous caesarean birth (CB).
Validated
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Optional Fields
Decision-making Women’s experiences Birth-choice uncertainty VBAC (Vaginal birth after Caesarean) CS (Caesarean Section) Previous caesarean birth (CB) Grounded theory (GT
116
103533 - 1
7
Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is supported in systematic reviews (Wu et al., 2019) and national guidelines (RCOG, 2015) and women are expected to be involved in the decision-making process for either a repeat caesarean birth or planned VBAC. Aim: To develop a Grounded Theory (GT) of women's decision making of their birth choices in pregnancy following a previous caesarean birth (CB) Objective: To explore what determines women's birth choice and their decision making for birth following a previous CB. Design: Semi structured interviews with pregnant women were undertaken in order to develop a Glasserian Grounded Theory. Setting: Antenatal clinics and wards in a large tertiary level maternity hospital. Findings: The theory of ‘Mentalizing Possibilities’ is a substantive theory which explains pregnant women's decision making about their birth choices after a previous CB. Women's main concern is to achieve a positive experience. The core category of ‘Mentalizing Possibilities’ explains how women process their previous experience, adapt to uncertainty and deal with the decisional conflict. There are behavioural and cognitive strategies which women use to go through this process. Conclusion: Women want a positive birth experience after a previous CB and require support and continuity in decision making to help them decide the optimal birth choice for their current pregnancy.
1532-3099
10.1016/j.midw.2022.103533
Grant Details