Abstract
BackgroundOne in 100 women who give birth in the UK develop life-threatening illnesses during childbirth. Without urgent medical attention these illnesses could lead to the mother’s death. Little is known about how the experience of severe illness in childbirth affects the mother, baby, and family.AimAs part of the UK National Maternal Near-miss Surveillance Programme, this study explored the experiences of women and their partners of life-threatening illnesses in childbirth, to identify the long-term impact on women and their families.Design and settingQualitative study based on semi-structured narrative interviews. Interviews were conducted in patients’ homes in England and Scotland from 2010 to 2014.MethodAn in-depth interview study was conducted with 36 women and 11 partners. A maximum variation sample was sought and interviews transcribed for thematic analysis with constant comparison.ResultsWomen’s birth-related illnesses often had long-lasting effects on their mental as well as physical health, including anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In some cases the partner’s mental health was also affected. Women often described feeling isolated. Their experiences can have a profound impact on their relationships, family life, career, and future fertility. While some women described receiving good support from their GP, others felt there was little support available for them or their families after discharge from hospital.ConclusionA near-miss event can have long-lasting and major effects on women and their families. Support in primary care, including watchful waiting for mental health impacts, can play a valuable role in helping these families come to terms with their emergency experience. The findings highlight the importance of communication between primary and secondary care.
Highlights
It is estimated that for every 100 women giving birth in the UK, there will be one woman experiencing a near miss: an obstetric complication requiring urgent live-saving medical care.[1]
Support in primary care, including watchful waiting for mental health impacts, can play a valuable role in helping these families come to terms with their emergency experience
Support in primary care can play a valuable role in helping these families come to terms with their emergency experience
Summary
It is estimated that for every 100 women giving birth in the UK, there will be one woman experiencing a near miss: an obstetric complication requiring urgent live-saving medical care.[1] Potentially 8000 women and their families each year have to cope with a life-threatening emergency and its aftermath. The causes of these near misses are varied but include pre-eclampsia, haemorrhage, thrombosis, and sepsis, and may in some cases require an emergency hysterectomy or preterm delivery. Little is known about how the experience of severe illness in childbirth affects the mother, baby, and family
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have