Role of self-efficacy in birth choice.

Abstract

The incidence of vaginal birth after cesarean section is relatively low, although the procedure is of minimal risk to the mother and fetus. The article reports a pilot study designed to investigate whether a relationship exists between the concept of self-efficacy and delivery choice. The Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, a self-administered questionnaire, was completed by 74 pregnant women. The study found that women choosing elective repeat cesarean delivery had lower self-efficacy scores on the instrument. The results suggest the need for further research using assessment of preoutcome, postoutcome, and self-efficacy expectancy scores with specifically designed classes for women who have had a previous cesarean birth.