Waterbirth in low‐risk pregnancy: An exploration of women's experiences. (11th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carlsson, Tommy; Ulfsdottir, Hanna
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced nursing. Volume 76:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 1221
• Page End: 1231
• Publication Date: 2020-03-11
• Subjects: consumer health information -- immersion in water -- midwifery -- natural childbirth -- nursing -- obstetric nursing -- qualitative research -- waterbirth; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.14336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-2402

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To explore retrospective descriptions about benefits, negative experiences and preparatory information related to waterbirths. Design: A qualitative study. Methods: Women who gave birth in water with healthy pregnancies and low‐risk births were consecutively recruited between December 2015–October 2018 from two birthing units in Sweden. All who gave birth in water during the recruitment period were included ( N = 155) and 111 responded to the survey. Women were emailed a web‐based survey six weeks postpartum. Open‐ended questions were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Two themes were identified related to benefits: (a) physical benefits: the water eases labour progression while offering buoyancy and pain relief; and (b) psychological benefits: improved relaxation and control in a demedicalized and safe setting. Two themes were identified related to negative experiences: (a) equipment‐related issues due to the construction of the tub and issues related to being immersed in water; and (b) fears and worries related to waterbirth. In regard to preparatory information, respondents reported a lack of general and specific information related to waterbirths, even after they contacted birthing units to ask questions. Supplemental web‐based information was sought, but the trustworthiness of these sources was questioned and a need for trustworthy web‐based information was articulated. Conclusion: Women who give birth in water experience physical and psychological benefits, but need better equipment and sufficient information. There is room for improvement with regard to prenatal and intrapartum care of women who give birth in water. Impact: Judging from women's recounts, midwives and nurses should continue advocating waterbirth in low‐risk pregnancies. The lack of adequate equipment in Swedish birthing units articulated by women challenge current routines and resources. The findings illustrate unfulfilled needs for preparatory information about waterbirth, further strengthening that midwives should discuss the possibility of waterbirth when meeting expectant parents in the antenatal setting. Abstract : 目的: 对水中分娩相关益处、消极体验以及准备信息的回顾性描述进行研究。 设计: 定性研究。 方法: 2015年12月至2018年10月期间, 从瑞典两个接生医院连续招募在水中进行分娩的、具有正常妊娠和低危分娩情况的妇女。招募期间在水中进行分娩的所有妇女均包括在内( N =155), 其中有111人对调查作出了答复。所有妇女在产后六周收到了一份线上调查问卷。开放性问题采用定性内容分析法进行分析。 结果: 针对益处方面, 共确定了两类相关主题:(a)身体益处:水在提供浮力和缓轻疼痛的同时可帮助缓解分娩进展;以及(b)心理益处:在非医学方法处理且安全的环境中提高放松感和控制感。针对消极体验方面, 共确定了两类相关主题:(a)由于浴缸的建造而造成的设备相关问题以及与浸入水中有关的问题;以及(b)与水中分娩有关的恐惧和担忧。关于准备信息, 受访者表示, 即使在联系接生医院询问问题之后, 她们仍缺乏水中分娩相关的一般和具体信息。她们还会通过网络寻求补充性信息, 但对此类信息来源的可信度存疑, 并表明了对可靠的网络信息的需求。 结论: 在水中进行分娩的妇女可获得身心益处, 但需更好的设备和足够的信息提供支持。在水中进行分娩的妇女的产前和产时护理方面仍有改进余地。 影响: 从妇女的叙述来看, 助产士和护士应继续提倡低危妊娠中的水中分娩方式。妇女指出, 瑞典接生医院缺乏足够的设备, 这对目前的常规做法和资源提出了挑战。研究结果表明, 对有关水中分娩的准备信息的需求尚未得到满足, 这进一步突出了助产士应在产前与准父母会面时与其讨论水中分娩的可能性。