Women's experiences on VBAC: results of a metasynthesis

• 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.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

VBAC

metasynthesis

women´s experiences

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)