O79 - Factors contributing to women’s experiences of birth trauma in Australia

Abstract

It is estimated that a third of women experience a traumatic birthing event. Increased interventions during labour and rising caesarean rates can contribute to experiencing birth trauma. The ongoing impact of birth trauma can lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postnatal depression and anxiety alongside issues with bonding. It is important to understand women’s experiences of birth trauma and to identify factors and characteristics that contribute to the birth trauma experience. In 2021 The Birth Experience Study (BESt) surveyed women who had birthed in Australia in the previous 5 years to explore a variety of factors contributing to pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences, including what women would choose if they were to have another pregnancy. To explore the factors contributing to the experience of birth trauma in Australia. This section of the study utilised a mixed methods approach to understanding birth trauma in Australia. From 8,804 completed responses, 2,500 survey participants indicated they experienced birth trauma in their last birth and 2,158 participants left open ended comments on their experiences of a traumatic birth. A qualitative content analysis was undertaken on the open text responses to the survey question . The open-text quotes were analysed using an inductive content analysis where the categories developed from the dataset by a team of experienced and developing research members. A quantitative linear regression was undertaken on the factors contributing to birth trauma. There were five main categories, three categories focused on the absence of respectful maternity care. These were ‘Lack of Control’, ‘Lack of Support’ and ‘Lack of communication’. The two remaining themes focused on the ‘Impact of Intervention’ and ‘What’s happening with my baby?’. The quantitative analysis is currently being undertaken and will be presented at the conference.