Decision-Making that Determines Choice of Delivery Location Among Pregnant Women in Lundazi District- Zambia

Abstract

Deciding where to give birth is the woman’s entitlement. The choice of a delivery location has serious implications that border on the health and life of the mother and her foetus. This study explored critical players who influence pregnant women significantly about the choice of the birth place in Lundazi district- Zambia. Six Focus Group Discussions involving 30 Antenatal mothers and 30 members of Small Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs) were conducted between March and April, 2019. This study found that pregnant women in Lundazi district were greatly influenced by their husbands, mother in-laws, biological mothers, grandmothers, neighbours, elderly women and the community when deciding the choice of a delivery location. Women with little or no education had a higher chance of depending on the significant others to decide where they could deliver. In some instances, this weighty decision was made when labour began. Women should be autonomous when deciding what is best for their reproductive health needs for them to achieve a positive pregnancy experience and outcome. But socio-cultural practices reduce their autonomy. A well-informed society can be supportive of a woman when deciding to choose a delivery location where she can be safe, supported and assisted by skilled staff