Women's expectations and experiences of rupture of membranes and views of the potential use of reagent pads for detecting amniotic fluid. (16th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spiby, Helen; Borrelli, Sara; Hughes, Anita J
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced nursing. Volume 73:Number 12(2017)
• Page Start: 3041
• Page End: 3049
• Publication Date: 2017-07-16
• Subjects: amniotic fluid -- early labour -- expectations -- experiences -- midwifery -- nurse‐midwifery -- reagent pad -- rupture of membranes -- uncertainty; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.13365
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-2402

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To explore first‐time mothers' expectations and experiences regarding rupture of membranes at term and their views on the potential use of reagent pads that detect amniotic fluid. Background: There is little information available on women's experiences of spontaneous rupture of membranes, or interest in using methods to confirm rupture of membranes (e.g. reagent pads). Design: Descriptive qualitative study, using focus groups and telephone interviews with women during pregnancy and after the birth of their first baby. Thematic analysis was undertaken to analyse women's responses. Methods: Ethics committee approval was obtained. Twenty‐five women participated in the study of whom 13 contributed both during pregnancy and postpartum between October 2015–March 2016. Findings: Three overarching themes were identified from the data from women's expectations and experiences: uncertainty in how, when and where membranes may rupture; information which was felt to be limited and confirmation of rupture of membranes. The potential use of reagent pads met with varied responses. Conclusion: Women were interested in having facts and figures regarding rupture of membranes, such as characteristics of liquor; volume and probability of membranes rupturing spontaneously at term. Use of a pad as a means of confirmation was viewed as helpful, although the potential for increasing anxiety was raised.