Abstract
BackgroundContinuous support by a midwife during childbirth has shown positive effects on the duration of active labour, use of pain relief and frequency of caesarean section (CS) in women without fear of childbirth (FOC). We have evaluated how continuous support by a specially assigned midwife during childbirth affects birth outcome and the subjective experience of women with severe FOC.MethodsA case–control pilot study with an index group of 14 women with severe FOC and a reference group of 28 women without FOC giving birth. In this study the index group received continuous support during childbirth.ResultsThe women with severe FOC more often had an induction of labour. The parous women with severe FOC had a shorter duration of active labour compared to the parous reference women (p = 0.047). There was no difference in caesarean section frequency between the two groups. Women with severe FOC experienced a very high anxiety level during childbirth (OR = 20.000, 95 % CI: 3.036-131.731).ConclusionWomen with severe FOC might benefit from continuous support by a midwife during childbirth. Midwives should acknowledge the importance of continuous support in order to enhance the experience of childbirth in women with severe FOC.
Highlights
Continuous support by a midwife during childbirth has shown positive effects on the duration of active labour, use of pain relief and frequency of caesarean section (CS) in women without fear of childbirth (FOC)
More women with severe FOC experienced an induction of labour
The fact that the present study showed similar results in the two groups concerning use of pain relief and frequency of CS indicates that women with severe FOC may benefit from continuous support by a Reference p-value group n% n%
Summary
Continuous support by a midwife during childbirth has shown positive effects on the duration of active labour, use of pain relief and frequency of caesarean section (CS) in women without fear of childbirth (FOC). During pregnancy a certain amount of anxiety is considered a normal part of the preparation for the upcoming birth [1] In some women this feeling develops into fear of childbirth (FOC) which might have many negative consequences [2]. Women are screened for FOC at the antenatal healthcare clinic and those with FOC are referred to a psychosocial unit at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Where they receive extended support including as psycho
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