"It didn't turn out as I imagined" - Women's lived experiences of giving birth to a child born in a persistent occiput posterior position.

Abstract

To explore women's experience of giving birth to a baby born in a persistent occiput posterior position. The impact of fetal position could significantly affect women's experiences. There have been limited studies conducted regarding this phenomenon. In this study, particular attention is given to the persistent occiput posterior position. Gaining a deeper understanding of the childbirth experience in relation to the persistent occiput posterior position of the fetus can offer valuable insights for providing appropriate support during childbirth. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 women between July 2021 and May 2022. The data were subsequently analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. The essence of the women's lived experience was that childbirth did not turn out quite as they imagined. The essence emerged from two themes, "An unexpected course of childbirth" and "Managed to take command of the situation". The expectations women hold before childbirth differ from the experiences they encounter afterwards. They experienced loss of control and an unexpected pattern of contractions and progress of birth. Following the birth, they had inquiries regarding the events that transpired during the birth and whether there was any association with the persistent occiput posterior position. Ultimately, the women were satisfied with giving birth vaginally, even though the childbirth did not turn out as they imagined. Comprehending the experiences of women who give birth with the baby in a persistent occiput posterior position offers crucial understanding for healthcare professionals to support women effectively during childbirth.