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Background: The stillbirth rate in Tanzania remains high. Greater engagement with antenatal care may help to reduce stillbirths. We investigated which characteristics of antenatal care clinics are preferred by pregnant women in Tanzania., Methods: We conducted an unlabelled discrete choice experiment (DCE) with think-aloud interviews. Participants were pregnant women, regardless of parity/gestation, from the Mwanza and Manyara regions of Tanzania. We asked participants to choose which of two hypothetical antenatal clinics they would rather attend. Clinics were described in terms of transport mode, cleanliness, comfort, visit content, and staff attitude. Each participant made 12 choices during the experiment, and a purposively selected sub-set simultaneously verbalised the rationale for their choices. We analysed DCE responses using a multinomial logit model adjusted for study region, and think-aloud data using the Framework approach., Results: We recruited 251 participants split evenly between the 2 geographical regions. Staff attitude was the most important attribute in clinic choice and dominated the think-aloud narratives. Other significant attributes were mode of transport (walking was preferred) and content of clinic visit (preference was stronger with each additional element of care provided). Cleanliness of the clinic was not a significant attribute overall and the think-aloud exercise identified a willingness to trade-off cleanliness and comfort for respectful care., Conclusion: Women would prefer to attend a clinic with kind staff which they can access easily. This study suggests that exploration of barriers to providing respectful care, and enabling staff to deliver it, are important areas for future investment. The DCE shows us what average preferences are; antenatal care that is aligned with identified preferences should increase uptake and engagement versus care which does not acknowledge them., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: An increase in the number of women who have fear of birth [FOB] has been reported globally; yet, how these women are identified varies. This study aimed to identify the most effective way of measuring FOB in clinical practice., Design: This paper reports on a prospective cohort study; a core element of an explanatory mixed-methods study. This element explored the appropriateness of measures of anxiety (biomarkers and validated questionnaires) and observed any relationship between anxiety levels and clinical outcomes., Participants: A purposive sampling strategy was used. One hundred and forty-eight primigravida, during the 1st trimester, in two tertiary maternity units in England were included., Methods: Demographic and baseline data were collected from participants in the first trimester of pregnancy along with FOB scores, and a saliva sample to measure cortisol level. In the third trimester, a second FOBS score, and saliva sample were collected, and the Personal Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were administered to measure depression and anxiety respectively., Findings: The FOBS was completed by 148 women in the first trimester and 80 in the third. Using a cut-off of 54, 30/148 (20%) women had a FOB in the first trimester; 21/80 (26%) had a FOB in the third trimester, 15 (19%) of whom also had a FOB in the first. Compared with the first trimester, 51/80 women showed an increase in FOBS score, with 14 scores increasing above and 8 scores decreasing below the cut-off of 54. FOBS scores were not correlated with salivary cortisol in either trimester (first trimester Spearman's ρ=0.08, p = 0.354, n = 144; third trimester ρ=0.12, p = 0.309, n = 71) but they were correlated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores in the third trimester (PHQ-9 ρ=0.53, p = 0.010, n = 23; GAD-7 ρ=0.45, p = 0.033, n = 23) although not sufficiently high enough to demonstrate convergent validity against those measures of depression and anxiety. They were also associated with a previous history of depression but only in the first trimester (p = 0.011). FOBS scores showed considerable variability and a high measurement error, indicating a need for further refinement and psychometric testing., Conclusion: The FOBS is a potentially effective way of measuring FOB in clinical practice and research, but it requires refining. Scores are not related to salivary cortisol levels but are correlated with validated scores for anxiety and depression. An enhanced version of the FOBS could be used in clinical practice to measure FOB., (Crown Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To report an analysis of the concept of vulnerability associated with pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period., Background: The concept of vulnerability during childbirth is complex and the term, 'to be vulnerable' frequently attains a vague application. Analysis about vulnerability is needed to guide policy, practice, education and research. Clarity around the concept has the potential to improve outcomes for women., Design: Concept analysis., Data Sources: Searches were conducted in CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Psychinfo, MEDLINE, MIDIRS and ASSIA and limited to between January 2000 - June 2014. Data were collected over 12 months during 2014., Methods: This concept analysis drew on Morse's qualitative methods., Results: Vulnerability during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period can be defined by three main attributes: (a) Threat; (b) Barrier; and (c) Repair. Key attributes have the potential to influence outcome for women. Inseparable sub-attributes such as mother and baby attachment, the woman's free will and choice added a level of complexity about the concept., Conclusion: This concept analysis has clarified how the term vulnerability is currently understood and used in relation to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Vulnerability should be viewed as a complex phenomenon rather than a singular concept. A 'vulnerability journey plan' has the potential to identify how reparative interventions may develop the woman's capacity for resilience and influence the degree of vulnerability experienced. Methodology based around complex theory should be explored in future work about vulnerability., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To assess the extent to which the title and font of participant information sheets (PISs) can influence pregnant women's and trainee midwives' perceptions of an antenatal intervention., Methods: Pregnant women (n=35) and trainee midwives (n=36) were randomly presented with one of four PISs where the title and font of the PIS had been manipulated to create four experimental conditions (i.e., Double Fluent; Double Awkward; Fluent Title-Awkward Font; Awkward Title-Fluent Font). After reading the PIS, participants rated their perceptions of the intervention (i.e., Attractiveness, Complexity, Expected Risk, Required Effort) using five-point Likert scales., Results: A 4×2 factorial multivariate analysis of variance revealed that pregnant women rated the Double Awkward condition as significantly more complex than the Double Fluent (p=.024) and Awkward Title-Fluent Font (p=.021) conditions., Conclusion: Font influenced pregnant women's ratings of intervention complexity., Practice Implications: Results have implications for ethical recruitment, and in turn, the optimisation of corresponding interventions., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Several papers have called for a trial of planned cesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for low-risk women-a recommendation that is fiercely debated. Although proponents of a trial have voiced their support, evidence suggests that in the United Kingdom few midwives and obstetricians believe such a trial to be feasible, and no studies reporting women's views on the prospect of such a trial have been published. The purpose of this study is to explore women's views of participation in a trial of planned cesarean birth versus planned vaginal birth., Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews in a large maternity hospital in the United Kingdom. Sixty-four women were interviewed 12 months after giving birth. Women were asked "How do you think you would have felt if you had been approached to take part in such a trial during your first pregnancy?" Data were analyzed thematically., Results: Only 3 of the 64 women stated that they would have participated in a trial of planned vaginal birth versus planned cesarean section, had they been asked. However, five other women said that they would have consented to participate if they had been asked during pregnancy, but with hindsight, would have regretted that decision. The remainder of women would not have participated, unless a preference arm was offered. Three main themes were identified: "feeling cheated," "let nature take its course," and "just another trauma that you don't need.", Conclusions: Few women supported a trial and most suggested that it was intuitively wrong. Given the strong views voiced by women, it is unlikely that a trial of planned vaginal delivery versus planned cesarean delivery would be feasible.

Background: Stillbirth and (obstetric) fistula are traumatic life events, commonly experienced together following an obstructed labour in low‐ and middle‐income countries with limited access to maternity care. Few studies have explored women's experiences of the combined trauma of stillbirth and fistula. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of women following stillbirth and fistula. Methods: Qualitative, guided by Heideggerian phenomenology. Twenty women who had experienced a stillbirth were interviewed while attending a specialist Hospital fistula service in urban Kenya. Data were analysed following Van Manen's reflexive approach. Results: Three main themes summarised participants' experiences: 'Treated like an alien' reflected the isolation and stigma felt by women. The additive and multiplying impacts of stillbirth and fistula and the ways in which women coped with their situations were summarised in 'Shattered dreams'. The impact of beliefs and practices of women and those around them were encapsulated in 'It was not written on my forehead'. Conclusion: The distress women experienced following the death of a baby was intensified by the development of a fistula. Health professionals lacked an understanding of the pathophysiology and identification of fistula and its association with stillbirth. Women were isolated as they were stigmatised and blamed for both conditions. Difficulty accessing follow‐up care meant that women suffered for long periods while living with a constant reminder of their baby's death. Cultural beliefs, faith and family support affected women's resilience, mental health and recovery. Specialist services, staff training and inclusive policies are needed to improve knowledge and awareness and enhance women's experiences. Patient or Public Contribution: A Community Engagement and Involvement group of bereaved mothers with lived experience of stillbirth and neonatal death assisted with the review of the study protocol, participant‐facing materials and confirmation of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims Globally, 2 million stillbirths occur annually, 98% of which occur in low-income settings. In low-income settings, stillbirth may be associated with maternal perception of reduced fetal movements. However, little is known about maternal experiences of reduced fetal movements and subsequent engagement with health services in low-income settings. This narrative literature review initially aimed to improve understanding of views and experiences of reduced fetal movements in pregnant women in low-income settings using information synthesised from international studies. However, only a small number of articles from low-resource settings were found. Methods The literature reviewed qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies guided by a systematic approach. The findings were discussed narratively. Results A total of 40 studies were identified, only four of which were from low-income settings. The four main themes identified were: maternal perception of fetal movements, facilitators and barriers to seeking healthcare, reduced fetal movements as a predictor of fetal outcomes and knowledge of fetal movements and management strategies. conclusions A variety of factors may influence maternal perception of reduced fetal movements and experience of care. As most studies were conducted in high-income settings, it is imperative to describe women's experiences of reduced fetal movements in low-income settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increase in the number of women with maternal obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) has had a huge impact on the delivery of maternity services. As part of a programme of feasibility work to design an antenatal lifestyle programme for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, the current study explored health professionals' experiences of caring for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and their views of the proposed lifestyle programme. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 30 health professionals (including midwives, sonographers, anaesthetists and obstetricians) were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Recruitment occurred in two areas in the North West of England in early 2011. Results: Three themes were evident. Firstly, obesity was seen as a conversation stopper; obesity can be a challenge to discuss. Secondly, obesity was seen as a maternity issue; obesity has a direct impact on maternity care and therefore intervention is needed. Finally, the long-term impact of maternal obesity intervention; lifestyle advice in pregnancy has the potential to break the cyclic obesity relationship. The health professionals believed that antenatal lifestyle advice can play a key role in addressing the public health issue of obesity as pregnancy is a time of increased motivation for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Conclusions: Maternal obesity is a challenge and details of the training content required for health professionals to feel confident to approach the issue of maternal obesity with women are presented. Support for the antenatal lifestyle programme for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 highlights the need for further exploration of the impact of interventions on health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesarean section at maternal request remains a contentious issue, fuelled by reports of associated morbidity. To explore the motivations behind women's expression of preference for a planned caesarean birth, an internet survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires available via a UK-based international website, www.electivecesarean.com, over a 9-month period. A convenience sample of 359 pregnant women who stated that their preferred delivery method was 'elective caesarean section through my own choice' was included. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically. Women from 16 countries were included. Two main themes were identified: 1) anti-vaginal birth; and 2) physical and psychological validation. Women who were anti-vaginal birth had a fear of morbidity (maternal and neonatal) and of the birth experience. They viewed vaginal birth as unpredictable and saw planned caesarean birth as a safer alternative. Some women justified their decision of birth mode by referring to either a physical or psychological issue that related to a previous birth or an existing medical complication. Respondents had similar views regardless of country of residence. We concluded that women have multiple reasons for wanting a caesarean birth. These reasons are usually considered, and motivated by a genuine desire to avoid the potential problems of vaginal birth. Individualized birth consultations should include discussion of the risks and benefits of vaginal and caesarean birth as they relate to individual women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a global public health issue. Having a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more (classifying a person as obese) at the start of pregnancy is a significant risk factor for maternal and fetal morbidity. There is a dearth of evidence to inform suitable interventions to support pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more. Here we describe a study protocol to test the feasibility of a variety of potential healthy lifestyle interventions for pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more in a community based programme.Methods/design: Four hundred women will be approached to attend a 10-week community lifestyle programme. The programme will be provided as a supplement to standard antenatal care. The programme is multi-faceted, aimed at equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to adopt healthy behaviours. The social (cognitive) learning theory will be used as a tool to encourage behaviour change, the behaviour change techniques are underpinned by five theoretical components; self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, goal setting, feedback and positive reinforcement.The main outcomes are pregnancy weight gain and caesarean section rate. Other important outcomes include clinical outcomes (e.g., birth weight) and psychological outcomes (e.g., well-being). Secondary outcomes include women's experience of pregnancy and health care services, amount of physical activity, food intake and the suitability of the intervention components.A prospective study using quantitative and qualitative methods will inform the feasibility of implementing the community lifestyle programme with pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more. Mixed methods of data collection will be used, including diaries, focus groups/interviews, pedometers, validated and specifically designed questionnaires, a programme register, weight gain during pregnancy and perinatal outcome data.Discussion: Findings from this current feasibility study will inform future interventions and NHS services and add to the evidence-base by providing information about the experiences of pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more undertaking a community lifestyle programme. The study will lead on to a randomised control trial of a suitable intervention to improve the pregnancy outcomes of this target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several papers have called for a trial of planned cesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for low-risk women—a recommendation that is fiercely debated. Although proponents of a trial have voiced their support, evidence suggests that in the United Kingdom few midwives and obstetricians believe such a trial to be feasible, and no studies reporting women's views on the prospect of such a trial have been published. The purpose of this study is to explore women's views of participation in a trial of planned cesarean birth versus planned vaginal birth. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews in a large maternity hospital in the United Kingdom. Sixty-four women were interviewed 12 months after giving birth. Women were asked “How do you think you would have felt if you had been approached to take part in such a trial during your first pregnancy?” Data were analyzed thematically. Results: Only 3 of the 64 women stated that they would have participated in a trial of planned vaginal birth versus planned cesarean section, had they been asked. However, five other women said that they would have consented to participate if they had been asked during pregnancy, but with hindsight, would have regretted that decision. The remainder of women would not have participated, unless a preference arm was offered. Three main themes were identified: “feeling cheated,”“let nature take its course, ” and “just another trauma that you don't need.” Conclusions: Few women supported a trial and most suggested that it was intuitively wrong. Given the strong views voiced by women, it is unlikely that a trial of planned vaginal delivery versus planned cesarean delivery would be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little consensus regarding the use of partograms and labour charts in the western world. As a consequence there are variations in practices within and between units. Prior to implementation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Intrapartum Care Guidelines we conducted a survey of all Heads of Midwifery exploring the current status of labour documentation across England. This enabled a baseline of current practice to be established and offers insight into disparities. The results indicated general support for the partogram, although some units chose not to use it for certain women. There was some consistency in recorded quantifiable details, although most charts lacked any psychological data. A minority of units had pre-printed alert or action lines although often the associated guidelines were similar. Few units provided evidence to support their particular guidelines. Awareness of national variations in partogram use highlighted useful variations in partogram designs which may assist midwives in their own practice. Units should re-evaluate their own charts in line with the recommendations of the National Intrapartum Care Guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As there is no universal definition of ‘normal’ labour, diagnosing prolonged labour is inherently difficult. Simple charts (partograms) are used to aid this process; however, there are little empirical data on which to base such charts. Therefore, we monitored 403 multiparous women, in the first stage of labour with uncomplicated term pregnancies, in a midwife-led unit. They had vaginal examinations every 2 hours, and we modelled rates of cervical dilatation for all women, either to the end of the first stage of labour or to the point of transfer for intervention. Overall, the median rate of dilatation was 1.9 cm/hour and the 5th percentile was 0.5 cm/hour. There was a weak positive correlation between initial dilatation and rate of dilatation ( r= 0.2). Individualised computer-based partograms incorporating some of the factors that affect progress might prove useful in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the advantages and disadvantages of vaginal and caesarean birth of women in Great Britain. It was said that all births entail risk and elective caesarian section is safe as a normal delivery. Caesarian section cost 3, 500 euro while vaginal birth cost only 1, 800 euro. The vaginal births describes a terrible time, a long labor, and poorly managed pain relief while caesarian is described as calm, pain free and intensely happy moment.

Focuses on the use of partograms in the active management of maternity labor care. Background of partogram; Function of partogram during labor; Guidelines for labor care.

Background: An increase in the number of women with maternal obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) has had a huge impact on the delivery of maternity services. As part of a programme of feasibility work to design an antenatal lifestyle programme for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, the current study explored health professionals' experiences of caring for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and their views of the proposed lifestyle programme. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 30 health professionals (including midwives, sonographers, anaesthetists and obstetricians) were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Recruitment occurred in two areas in the North West of England in early 2011. Results: Three themes were evident. Firstly, obesity was seen as a conversation stopper; obesity can be a challenge to discuss. Secondly, obesity was seen as a maternity issue; obesity has a direct impact on maternity care and therefore intervention is needed. Finally, the long-term impact of maternal obesity intervention; lifestyle advice in pregnancy has the potential to break the cyclic obesity relationship. The health professionals believed that antenatal lifestyle advice can play a key role in addressing the public health issue of obesity as pregnancy is a time of increased motivation for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Conclusions: Maternal obesity is a challenge and details of the training content required for health professionals to feel confident to approach the issue of maternal obesity with women are presented. Support for the antenatal lifestyle programme for women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 highlights the need for further exploration of the impact of interventions on health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]