Maternal Satisfaction With Childbirth by Length of Second Stage [24M

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to quantify patient satisfaction during childbirth by length of the second stage and delivery mode. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of nulliparous women who delivered between 4/2018–3/2019. Patients completed 4 questionnaires in the immediate postpartum period: Patient Perception Score (PPS), Consumer Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), Six Simple Questions (SSQ), and Salmon survey. Length of second stage was divided into 2 groups (≤3 hours and >3 hours) and patient satisfaction scores were compared. RESULTS: 100 patients were enrolled. 71 patients had normal second stage and 29 patients had prolonged second stage. Length of second stage had a statistically significant negative correlation with PPS score (ρ=-0.25, P=0.01). Length of second stage was not correlated with the SSQ (ρ=0.06, P=0.54), CSQ (ρ=-0.18, P=0.07), or Salmon survey (ρ=-0.16, P=0.11). PPS and SSQ scores did not significantly differ by delivery mode or epidural status, although the two lowest PPS scores were women who underwent cesarean delivery with extremely prolonged second stage (372 and 402 minutes, respectively). CSQ and Salmon scores were significantly lower in women who underwent second stage cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Most patients were satisfied with their childbirth experience independent of length of second stage. Only the PSS demonstrated a correlation of higher satisfaction with shorter second stage. Cesarean delivery during second stage was associated with decreased patient satisfaction. Future studies with larger cohorts of patients are needed to confirm our findings.