Important aspects of intrapartum care described by first-time mothers giving birth in specialised obstetric units in Norway: A qualitative analysis of two questions from the Babies Born Better study

Abstract

Objective To explore aspects of intrapartum care that were importanrt for primiparous women who had given birth in large obstetric units in Norway.

Methods We used data from the Babies Born Better (B3) survey, version 1, which is an international, web-based qualitative survey. We performed a reflexive, thematic analysis of the responses to two questions about descriptions of aspects of positive care and areas of care requiring improvement during the intrapartum period. The responders could give up to three responses to each question and there were no word limits.

Results In all, 677 first time mothers who gave birth at the five largest specialised obstetric units in Norway during 2014–2015 were included in the study. The thematic analysis of the 2 205 responses resulted in three final themes: ‘Communication and positive interactions with the caregivers’, ‘Autonomy and active involvement in the labour process’, and ‘Safety, competence and quality of labour care’.

Conclusion For women who give birth for the first time in specialised obstetric units both relational aspect such as communication and respect, and environmental aspects such as facilities, are of importance. First-time mothers might be particularly vulnerable to absence of positive interactions with caregivers because they lack the resources former birthing experience can give. It is essential to give unexperienced birthing women special attention during childbirth because the first birth may influence decisions in following pregnancies.