Perinatal factors related to pregnancy and childbirth satisfaction: a prospective cohort study

Stephanie M. P. Lemmens, Pim van Montfort*, Linda J. E. Meertens, Marc E. A. Spaanderman, Luc J. M. Smits, Raymond G. de Vries, Hubertina C. J. Scheepers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Satisfaction of pregnancy and childbirth is an important quality measure of maternity care. Satisfaction questionnaires generally result in high scores. However, it has been argued that dissatisfaction relies on a different construct. In response to a worldwide call for obstetric care that is more woman-centered, we identified and described the contributors to suboptimal satisfaction with pregnancy and childbirth. Methods: A prospective subcohort of 739 women from a larger cohort (Expect Study I, n = 2614) received a pregnancy and childbirth satisfaction questionnaire. Scores were transformed to a binary outcome whereby a score Results: Decreased perceived personal well-being, antenatal anxiety, and obstetrician-led care during labor were all independently associated with suboptimal pregnancy and childbirth satisfaction. No difference in satisfaction was found between antenatal care led by a midwife or an obstetrician, but midwife-led antenatal care reduced the odds of suboptimal satisfaction compared to women who were transferred to an obstetrician in the antenatal period. Antenatal anxiety was experienced by 25% of all women and is associated with decreased satisfaction scores. Discussion: Screening and treatment of women suffering from anxiety might improve pregnancy and childbirth satisfaction, but further research is necessary. Women's birthing experience may improve by reducing unnecessary secondary obstetric care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-189
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume42
Issue number3
Early online date8 Jan 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jul 2021

Keywords

  • Satisfaction
  • pregnancy
  • birth
  • anxiety
  • integrated care
  • unnecessary obstetric care
  • QUALITY-OF-CARE
  • BIRTH EXPERIENCE
  • CESAREAN-SECTION
  • DECISION-MAKING
  • MATERNITY CARE
  • WOMEN
  • QUESTIONNAIRE
  • POSTPARTUM
  • PREDICTORS
  • DELIVERY

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