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- Gross, Mechthild M., et al.
(author)
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Women's experiences on VBAC: results of a metasynthesis
- 2014
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In: Optimising Childbirth Across Europe, 9-10 April 2014. Brussels, Belgium..
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: More and more women experience a caesarean section with their first, or later, birth. During a subsequent pregnancy they experience a challenging period of decision making on the mode of birth. Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is a relevant option for a large number of women. Despite lots of quantitative studies on VBAC there is a lack of studies that report the experiences of women. Aim of review: To report the main themes of women’s experiences of VBAC. Search strategy: The following databases were searched: CINAHL, EBSCO, Journals@ OVID, Pubmed, PSYCHINFO, using the keywords VBAC, vaginal birth after caesarean section, qualitative study, experiences, qualitative and women´s experiences in various combinations. Review methodology: In total, 1981 papers were identified; of these, 1959 had to be excluded. From the remaining 22 papers eleven were excluded at this stage, as not focusing on women´s experiences, or only focusing on experiences of CS in relation to VBAC. A metasynthesis based on the interpretative meta ethnography method was conducted. Main findings: Four final themes became obvious: ‘to be involved in decision about mode of delivery is difficult but important,’ ‘vaginal birth has several positive aspects mainly described by women,’ ‘vaginal birth after CS is a risky project,’ and ‘own strong responsibility for giving birth vaginally’. The papers discussed issues such as the women´s experience in relation to different aspects of VBAC, decision-making whether to give birth vaginally, the influence of health professionals on decision-making, reason for trying a vaginal birth, experiences when choosing VBAC, experiences of giving birth vaginally, and giving birth with CS when preferring VBAC. Conclusion: It became obvious that women may feel as though they are in a fog when preparing for a VBAC. Women need evidence-based information not only about the risks involved but also about positive aspects of VBAC.
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| 2. |
- Lundgren, Ingela, 1957, et al.
(author)
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'Groping through the fog': a metasynthesis of women's experiences on VBAC (Vaginal birth after Caesarean section)
- 2012
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2393. ; 12:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) is a relevant question for a large number of women due to the internationally rising Caesarean section (CS) rate. There is a great deal of research based on quantitative studies but few qualitative studies about women's experiences. Aim: To integrate qualitative findings and deepen the understanding of women's experiences of VBAC. Method: A metasynthesis based on the interpretative meta ethnography method was conducted. The inclusion criterion was peer-review qualitative articles from different disciplines about women's experiences of VBAC. Eleven articles were checked for quality, and eight articles were included in the synthesis. Results: The included studies were from Australia (four), UK (three), and US (one), and studied women's experience in relation to different aspects of VBAC; decision-making whether to give birth vaginally, the influence of health professionals on decision-making, reason for trying a vaginal birth, experiences when choosing VBAC, experiences of giving birth vaginally, and giving birth with CS when preferring VBAC. The main results are presented with the metaphor groping through the fog; for the women the issue of VBAC is like being in a fog, where decision-making and information from the health care system and professionals, both during pregnancy and the birth, is unclear and contrasting. The results are further presented with four themes: 'to be involved in decision about mode of delivery is difficult but important,' 'vaginal birth has several positive aspects mainly described by women,' 'vaginal birth after CS is a risky project,' and 'own strong responsibility for giving birth vaginally'. Conclusion: In order to promote VBAC, more studies are needed from different maternity settings and countries about women's experiences. Women need evidence-based information not only about the risks involved but also positive aspects of VBAC.
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