Positive Birth Research Articles

O-161 Performance of IDAScore prediction models on clinical, obstetric and neonatal outcomes of single vitrified-thawed blastocyst transfer

Abstract Study question Does a free-annotation embryo scoring system (IDAScore) prediction model effective in clinical assisted embryo selection? Summary answer iDAScore could be used to predict the clinical pregnancy and live birth. What is known already iDAScore model, as a free-annotation and deep learning-based embryo scoring system, was created according to deep learning model by training 115,832 embryos and 14,644 known implantation embryos from 18 reproductive medical center. Then, every blastocyst was scored without any manipulation and intervention by embryologists. Although iDAScore's performance was validated by a few reproductive centers, it has not yet been verified in a sizable cohort study. As a result, the effectiveness of iDAScore should be assessed in more reproductive clinics. Study design, size, duration A total of 6,291 vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer (SBT) cycles from 2018 to 2021 at the Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, were analyzed a free-annotation and deep learning-based embryo scoring system (IDAScore) (EmbryoScope Plus, Vitrolife, Sweden). Participants/materials, setting, methods All blastocysts undergoing SBT were scored from 1 to 9.9 with ida system. Blastocyst scores were grouped according to quartile.The effectiveness of ida system was evaluated according to clinical outcomes, perinatal and neonatal outcomes of different groups (1.0-8.0, 8.1-8.9, 9.0-9.3, 9.4-9.9). Main results and the role of chance The iDA scores decreased with increasing maternal age. Clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate increased with iDAScores, and there was a significant correlation (p < 0.001). The abortion rate decreased slightly with the increase of iDAScores, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Ectopic pregnancy rate did not change significantly with iDAScores. No statistically significant difference were observed between single and twin live birth among different iDAScore groups (p > 0.05). For perinatal and neonatal outcomes, no significant difference was shown in four iDAScore group (p > 0.05). Among them, gestational age and premature birth rate were similar (p > 0.05). Besides, no significant difference was shown in types and rate of pregnancy complication (p > 0.05). For newborn babies, the birth weight and sex were statistically similar across all groups (p > 0.05). The birth defect outcome was also evaluated. No significant difference were shown on different types of birth defect in all groups (p > 0.05). The uni-variate and multi-variate logistic regression for live birth was also analyzed. iDAScore were significantly correlated with a positive live birth probability (OR: 1.200, 95% CI: 1.148-1.253, p < 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution The experimental samples in this study are all blastocyst transfer cycles. There is no guiding significance for other centers using the cleavage embryo transfer cycle. Wider implications of the findings iDAScore could be used to predict the clinical pregnancy and live birth. For the blastocyst that has obtained live birth, different iDAScore did not cause significant differences in obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, iDAScore determined blastocyst implantation more than fetal development. Trial registration number not applicable

The Experience of Women Giving Birth after Cesarean Section-A Longitudinal Observational Study.

Natural childbirth after a previous cesarean section is a debated issue despite scientific research and international recommendations. This study aimed to examine the experiences of women giving birth after a previous cesarean section, their preferences, and changes in attitudes towards childbirth after labor. This longitudinal study involved 288 pregnant women who had a previous cesarean section and completed a web-based questionnaire before and after labor, including information about their obstetric history, birth beliefs, and preferred mode of delivery. Among women who preferred a vaginal birth, nearly 80% tried it and 49.78% finished delivery by this mode. Among women declaring a preference for an elective cesarean section, 30% attempted a vaginal birth. Choosing a hospital where staff supported their decision (regardless of the decision) was the most helpful factor in preparing for labor after a cesarean section (63.19%). Women's birth preferences changed after labor, with women who had a vaginal birth after a cesarean section preferring this mode of delivery in their next pregnancy (89.34%). The mode of birth did not always follow the women's preferences, with some women who preferred a natural childbirth undergoing an elective cesarean section for medical reasons. A variety of changes were noticeable among women giving birth after a cesarean section, with a large proportion preferring natural birth in their next pregnancy. Hospitals should support women's birth preferences after a cesarean section (if medically appropriate), providing comprehensive counseling, resources, and emotional support to ensure informed decisions and positive birth experiences.

Partner support and relationship quality as potential resources for childbirth and the transition to parenthood

BackgroundThe aim of the present paper was to explore the role of partners for the stressful life events of birth and the transition to parenthood.MethodsIn a first prospective longitudinal study (N = 304 dyads) we tested whether relationship quality positively predicted fewer interventions during labor and birth, a more positive birth experience, and better well-being during the first six weeks after birth. In a second study we surveyed mothers (N = 980; retrospective quasi-experimental design) who had given birth during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020 – some in the absence of their partners – to test the assumption that regardless of relationship quality, the presence of the partner was positively related to low-intervention births and the birth experience.ResultsThe results of the longitudinal study (Study 1) could be integrated into a Single Indicator model. They revealed that a high relationship quality assessed between week 5 and week 25 of pregnancy had a positive effect on birth experience for the mother and on psychological well-being during the transition to parenthood for both mothers and fathers. Results of the retrospective quasi-experimental field study (Study 2) revealed that the continuous presence of the partner was associated with a higher probability of a low-intervention birth and a more positive birth experience. Presence of a partner for only part of the birth did not positively predict labor and birth, but did positively predict the birth experience. The effects were independent of relationship quality.ConclusionThe results of both studies highlight the importance of partners for psychological well-being during labor and birth and the transition to parenthood.

On the cycle maximum of birth–death processes and networks of queues

This paper considers the cycle maximum in birth–death processes as a stepping stone to characterisation of the asymptotic behaviour of the maximum number of customers in single queues and open Kelly–Whittle networks of queues. For positive recurrent birth–death processes we show that the sequence of sample maxima is stochastically compact. For transient birth–death processes we show that the sequence of sample maxima conditioned on the maximum being finite is stochastically compact.We show that the Markov chain recording the total number of customers in a Kelly–Whittle network is a birth–death process with birth and death rates determined by the normalising constants in a suitably defined sequence of closed networks. Explicit or asymptotic expressions for these normalising constants allow asymptotic evaluation of the birth and death rates, which, in turn, allows characterisation of the cycle maximum in a single busy cycle, and convergence of the sequence of sample maxima for Kelly–Whittle networks of queues.

Time to reconsider antibiotic prophylaxis in women with prolonged rupture of membranes: The trend of Enterobacteriaceae in peripartum infections.

The proportion of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) by gram-negative bacteria has increased. The authors examined bacterial distribution in the amniotic membrane cultures of women with peripartum fever (PPF) and related perinatal outcomes. This retrospective study covered the period 2011 to 2019. The primary outcomes were Enterobacteriaceae-positive birth culture rates in women with PPF and the trend of ampicillin resistance. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women with group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Enterobacteriaceae-positive isolates. Bacterial distribution was also compared according to rupture of membrane (ROM) duration. Among 621 women with PPF, the positive birth culture rate was 52%. Increasing prevalences of ampicillin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (81%) were noted. Positive birth cultures were associated with maternal bacteremia (P = 0.017) and neonatal EOS (P = 0.003). Prolonged ROM ≥18 h was associated with increased risk for Enterobacteriaceae-positive cultures, while intrapartum ampicillin and gentamicin were associated with lower risk. Enterobacteriaceae-positive compared with GBS-positive birth cultures were associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Positive birth cultures were related to maternal bacteremia and neonatal sepsis. Adverse outcomes were more prevalent among women with Enterobacteriaceae-positive versus GBS-positive birth cultures. Prolonged ROM is a risk factor for Enterobacteriaceae-positive birth cultures among women with PPF. Antibiotic prophylaxis treatment for prolonged ROM should be reconsidered.

Seeking a connection: Women’s lived experience of the woman–midwife relationship in mainstream maternity services in Japan

ProblemIn Japan, women continue to suffer from mental health and other postpartum issues despite good clinical outcomes of maternity care. BackgroundAs key care providers, midwives potentially affect women’s overall birth experience. Most women in Japan give birth in hospitals or obstetric clinics where different midwives and nurses provide one woman with fragmented care. Women’s lived experiences of the woman–midwife in these birth facilities are not well known in Japan. AimTo understand women’s birth experience and relationship with midwives in the mainstream maternity care system in Japan to improve maternity care and women’s birth experience. MethodsFace-to-face individual interviews with 14 mothers were conducted. The data were analysed using van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach, which reveals the meaning of human experience in the everyday world. FindingsFour themes were derived from the hermeneutic phenomenological analysis; 1) Closed hearts and bodies in insecure relationships, 2) Alienation, 3) Hopelessness and helplessness, and 4) Women’s vulnerability and desire for positive relationships. DiscussionIn institutionalised and fragmented maternity care settings, it is difficult for women and midwives to develop a relationship. In such a care environment, women’s birth experience with midwives is negative or even traumatic; yet, women still need and seek the midwife relationship. Respectful care—necessary for women’s positive birth experience—requires positive relationship between women and midwives. ConclusionWomen’s negative birth experience may affect their mental health and parenting. Maternity and midwifery care in Japan needs to develop relationship-based care to improve women’s birth experience.

Updates Therapy for Covid-19 Patients in Pregnant and Lactating Women Review Journal

Updates Therapy for Covid-19 Patients in Pregnant and Lactating Women Review Journal

Low Molecular Weight Heparin-Aspirin-Prednisolone Combination Does Not Increase the Live Birth Rate in Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study investigates the triple combination of adjuvants (low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)-aspirin-prednisolone) whether it improves the live birth rates of IVF&ICSI patients with previous implantation failure. This retrospective study included 1095 patients with >2 failed either fresh or frozen single embryo transfer cycles between 2014 Jan and 2021 Jan. Patients were divided into two subgroups. Group A consisted of patients with only vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support. Group B consisted of patients with triple (daily subcutaneous LMWH, daily 150 mg aspirin, and daily 16 mg prednisolone) luteal phase supplementation to vaginal progesterone. Demographic parameters, cycle characteristics, embryology, and pregnancy outcomes were compared, and the study's primary outcome was the live birth rate. Demographic parameters were similar between the groups. Positive b-hCG, miscarriage, and live birth rates were similar between groups as Group A vs. Group B, positive b-hCG 30.8% (190/617) vs. 35.4% (169/478), miscarriage rates 4.4% (27/617) vs. 6.7% (32/478), and live birth rates 20.4% (126/617) vs. 23.8% (114/478), respectively. When patients were stratified according to previous failures, live birth rates were still similar. Pregnancy outcomes were significantly improved in only patients with diminished ovarian reserve (Group A vs. Group B, positive b-hCG 24.2% vs. 34.3%, live birth rate 12.1% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.01). Whether the embryo transfer was fresh or frozen-thawed did not affect the results. A combined supplementation of LMWH, aspirin, and prednisolone in the luteal phase does not improve live birth rates of IVF&ICSI patients with previous implantation failure except potentially for patients with diminished ovarian reserve.

0939 Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ knowledge and practice patterns regarding sleep disorders in pregnant patients

Abstract Introduction Prenatal sleep quality is an important factor in pregnancy and delivery outcomes and prenatal sleep disorders have been linked to a variety of negative maternal/fetal outcomes. At the same time, pregnancy itself is a risk factor for the development of several sleep disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) are well-positioned to provide access to resources or treatment for sleep disorders early in the presentation of symptoms, and thus could contribute to overall sleep health and positive birth outcomes. Methods A 104-question survey was developed to assess ob-gyns’ knowledge and treatment patterns as they relate to screening and treating sleep disorders among pregnant patients. It was distributed to randomly selected physicians registered with the Pregnancy-Related Care Research Network (PRCRN; N= 220). Results Response rate was 46%. Of those surveyed, 89.2% reported that they never screen for sleep disorders, or do so only when their patients report symptoms. When asked about various risks associated with maternal sleep disorders, providers recognized, on average, 60.9% these associations. Roughly half of providers did not recognize associations between maternal sleep disorders and gestational diabetes (49%), maternal mortality (54.9%), premature delivery (51%), or low infant birth weight (50%). Only 18.6% recognized the association between sleep disorders and cesarean delivery. While 99.0% of respondents endorsed that sleep quality is important to wellness, and 90.2% reported that it is an important issue for their patients, only 14.7% and 11.8% reported confidence in their own ability to diagnose and treat sleep disorders, respectively. Conclusion There are significant opportunities for educating ob-gyns about sleep disorders and their impact on perinatal outcomes. Additional resources aimed at increasing screening of pregnant patients during perinatal visits could increase early interventions and improve maternal/fetal outcomes. Support (if any)

Risk factors for a negative birth experience using the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised.

To evaluate the risk factors for a negative birth experience using the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) questionnaire. A cross-sectional study including women who gave birth at a single tertiary hospital between February 2021 and January 1, 2022. Birth satisfaction was measured using the BSS-R questionnaire. Maternal, pregnancy, and delivery characteristics were collected. Negative birth experience was defined as a BSS-R score lower than the median. Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the association between birth characteristics and negative birth experience. A total of 1495 women answered the questionnaire and were included in the analysis; 779 women comprised the positive birth experience group and 716 women comprised the negative birth experience group. Prior deliveries, prior abortions, and smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.66]; aOR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.62-0.99]; aOR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.27-0.99], respectively) were independently associated with lower risk of negative birth experience. Immigration, answering the questionnaires in person, and cesarean delivery were independently associated with increased negative birth experience risk (aOR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.01-1.86]; aOR 1.37 [95% CI, 1.04-1.79]; aOR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.52-2.41], respectively). Parity, prior abortions, and smoking were associated with a lower risk of negative birth experience, while immigration, answering questionnaires in person, and cesarean delivery were associated with a higher risk of negative birth experience.

Women's expectations of health care providers in the labor and delivery room in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background and objective: The World Health Organization recognizes the importance of positive childbirth experience. In Iraq, patient satisfaction during maternity care visits is not routinely collected. This study was aimed to find out the women’s expectation during labor from physicians and midwives and associated factors such as socio-demographic and obstetrical characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil city, located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. A total of 1,500 women were targeted while they were accompanying another person, including children, to receive health services in Erbil and eventually 1,196 participated in the study. Data were collected through direct interviews after receiving informed oral consent. Participants were asked to describe their expectations for childbirth using an open-ended question. Responses were then grouped and categorized into 20 expectation items based on overlapping themes. Chi-square tests were used to identify associations with key socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. Results: Level of expectation was significantly associated with education (illiterate and high education, P = 0.028),residency (suburban, P = 0.003), parity (grand multipara, P = 0.001), satisfaction with care (those satisfied, P &lt;0.001), and satisfaction with provider communication (those satisfied, P &lt;0.001). This study found that positive and calming verbal and non-verbal expressions, environmental control, encouragement of different positions and mobilization, hygiene, promotion of urinary elimination, and instruction on breathing and relaxation are highly expected by parturient women. Conclusion: Understanding women’s expectations in the delivery room is critical to health care providers in order to make appropriate care plan and support women to have a positive birth experience and to meet expectations.

The impact of mode of delivery on parent-infant-bonding and the mediating role of birth experience: a comparison of mothers and fathers within the longitudinal cohort study DREAM

BackgroundThe association between mode of delivery (MOD) and parent-infant-bonding has only been studied in mothers and findings have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate how MOD relates to postpartum parent-infant-bonding in both mothers and fathers and whether these associations are mediated by birth experience.MethodsThis study is part of the prospective cohort study “Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health” (DREAM). Our sample comprised N = 1,780 participants who completed quantitative questionnaires during pregnancy as well as 8 weeks and 14 months postpartum. MOD was dummy coded, contrasting spontaneous vaginal delivery against vaginal delivery induced by drugs, operative vaginal delivery, planned, and unplanned cesarean section. Parent-infant bonding and birth experience were assessed using validated scales. A moderated mediation analysis based on ordinary least square (OLS) regression and bootstrapped estimates was conducted, considering relevant confounding variables.ResultsCompared to spontaneous vaginal delivery, all categories of MOD predicted more negative birth experiences in both parents. A more positive birth experience predicted stronger parent-infant-bonding at 8 weeks, but not at 14 months postpartum. Mothers who delivered via cesarean section (planned or unplanned) reported stronger parent-infant-bonding at 8 weeks and 14 months postpartum. In fathers, only unplanned cesarean section was associated with stronger parent-infant-bonding at 8 weeks postpartum. At 8 weeks postpartum, birth experience mediated the association between a vaginal delivery induced by drugs and a planned cesarean section and mother-infant-bonding and between a vaginal delivery induced by drugs, an operative vaginal delivery, and planned cesarean section and father-infant-bonding. At 14 months postpartum, birth experience mediated the association between a vaginal delivery induced by drugs, operative vaginal delivery, and planned cesarean section and parent-infant-bonding in both parents.ConclusionsThe results emphasize the importance of the birth experience for parent-infant-bonding in both mothers and fathers. Further research should address the mechanisms by which parents with an unplanned cesarean section establish stronger parent-infant-bonding compared to parents whose baby was delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery, despite their overall more negative birth experiences.

Gebelik, Doğum ve Ebeveynlikte Farkındalık

The aim of this review was to draw attention to mindfulness in the periods of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood, and the importance and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in these periods. It is clear that mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions have improving effects on psychosocial health outcomes. In periods such as pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood, the benefit of these interventions seems to provide an effective means of reducing depressive symptoms and the perceived stress and anxiety levels. Increasing the level of mindfulness in these periods is an intervention which provides the woman with a positive birth experience, reduces the possibility of postpartum depression, and facilitates the adaptation process to parenthood. Mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions can be easily used in many areas in the provision of health services. The benefit of these interventions in the periods of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood will increase the psychological well-being of the woman and reduce potential mental health problems to a minimum. As parents with a high level of mindfulness will raise a healthy individual, this will contribute to the formation of a healthy society.

Group antenatal care: findings from a pilot randomised controlled trial of REACH Pregnancy Circles

BackgroundAntenatal care has the potential to impact positively on maternal and child outcomes, but traditional models of care in the UK have been shown to have limitations and particularly for those from deprived populations. Group antenatal care is an alternative model to traditional individual care. It combines conventional aspects of antenatal assessment with group discussion and support. Delivery of group antenatal care has been shown to be successful in various countries; there is now a need for a formal trial in the UK.MethodAn individual randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a model of group care (Pregnancy Circles) delivered in NHS settings serving populations with high levels of deprivation and diversity was conducted in an inner London NHS trust. This was an external pilot study for a potential fully powered RCT with integral economic evaluation. The pilot aimed to explore the feasibility of methods for the full trial. Inclusion criteria included pregnant with a due date in a certain range, 16 + years and living within specified geographic areas. Data were analysed for completeness and usability in a full trial; no hypothesis testing for between-group differences in outcome measures was undertaken. Pre-specified progression criteria corresponding to five feasibility measures were set. Additional aims were to assess the utility of our proposed outcome measures and different data collection routes. A process evaluation utilising interviews and observations was conducted.ResultsSeventy-four participants were randomised, two more than the a priori target. Three Pregnancy Circles of eight sessions each were run. Interviews were undertaken with ten pregnant participants, seven midwives and four other stakeholders; two observations of intervention sessions were conducted. Progression criteria were met at sufficient levels for all five measures: available recruitment numbers, recruitment rate, intervention uptake and retention and questionnaire completion rates. Outcome measure assessments showed feasibility and sufficient completion rates; the development of an economic evaluation composite measure of a ‘positive healthy birth’ was initiated.ConclusionOur pilot findings indicate that a full RCT would be feasible to conduct with a few adjustments related to recruitment processes, language support, accessibility of intervention premises and outcome assessment.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN66925258. Retrospectively registered, 03 April 2017.

Improving Birth Outcomes Among Low-Income Families: The Effect of a Home Visiting Intervention.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes the benefit of home visiting programs in promoting positive birth outcomes. Despite this recommendation, previous studies have found mixed results with respect to the impact of home visits on birth outcomes. We evaluated the impact of the Comprehensive Health Investment Project (CHIP) home visiting services on improving birth outcomes among low-income families. The present study used a sample of 1,110 children and families to examine how a team-based home visiting program influenced 2 significant birth outcomes, namely, birth weight and preterm birth. Using propensity score matching, the current study found that the home visited group had significantly lower rates of low birth weight compared with a propensity-matched comparison group (P < .01). Home visiting programs may play an important role in promoting positive birth outcomes, particularly when they are provided during pregnancy.

Birth order effects and parenting behaviors

While it is well known that there are systematic birth order effects on life cycle outcomes, there is less consensus about underlying channels and mechanisms of birth order effects. We find negative birth order effects among Chinese adolescents, favoring earlier-born children within household in academic achievement, cognitive skill measures, and in parenting behaviors including harsh parenting and parental investment. We highlight harsh parenting as a novel channel of birth order effects, in which earlier-born children are less likely to be physically punished by their parents. Heterogeneity analysis results are consistent with parents reinforcing academic advantage of better-performing earlier-born children, but do not support resource dilution, son preference, or reputation concerns as primary mechanisms underlying birth order effects. Our findings are in contrast to positive birth order effects found among earlier generations of Chinese siblings reported in the literature.

Human Rights In Childbearing 7. The Role of (Mid)Wife: The Challenges of Positive Birth Experience During Vbac

Vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC) can be physically and mentally challenging. This paper intends to highlight the importance of humanistic care and human rights-based approaches when women are preparing for VBAC. The discussion stems from the personal experience of the primary author and aims to add to the debate, especially from the perspective of women with lived experience of VBAC.

The effect of Hypnotherapy-based interventions on improving women’s experience of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum: A narrative review

IntroductionHypnotherapy has been increasingly used in recent years in healthcare, with several applications during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum.ObjectivesThis review was performed to assess the effects of Hypnotherapy before, during and after pregnancy.MethodsA narrative review methodology using keywords determined by the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus was adopted in this study. For this purpose, the databases of PubMed, Scopus,Web of Science, GoogleScholar, and Scientific Information Database (SID) were searched using the keywords of “Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Pregnancy, Labor, and Childbirth ” from March11 to April 5, 2022; and finally, the related articles published from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved.ResultsAccording to the findings, the effects ofHypnotherapy on pregnancy and delivery and postpartumoutcomes were classified into several categories as the following: Hypnotherapy-based interventions improve childbirth experience, with less anxiety, increased satisfaction, fewer birth interventions, more postnatal well-being and better childbirth experience overall. Hypnotherapy may reduce the overall use of analgesia during labour, but not epidural use.Hypnotherapy intervention during pregnancy aided in reducing physical and psychological symptoms during pregnancy.ConclusionsWith reference to the related literature on this subject matter, women can safely pursue hypnotherapy during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum. Hypnotherapy can be presented as a technique enabling patients to have a positive birth experience; however, high quality trials are needed to demonstrate its complete efficacy.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Community Perspectives on Home Birth in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization released a statement indicating that women can choose to give birth at home if their pregnancy is low risk and they receive the appropriate level of care during labor and childbirth. Additionally, there needs to be a contingency plan for transfer to a properly staffed and equipped birthing unit in case of problems. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health “Safe Birth Model of Care” by 2030 aims to have a midwifery-led continuity of maternity care as standard: low-risk births are to take place at home or at a birth center, depending on the preference of the woman and her family. Low-risk pregnant women will be expected to receive antenatal care from an appropriately trained and experienced primary care physician or midwife, as appropriate, with the option to refer to the comprehensive obstetrics service as necessary. This midwifery-led continuity of care has yet to be implemented in Saudi Arabia (Altaweli et al., 2020).RESEARCH PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were to assess the community of respondents to an online survey and perspectives regarding home birth and determine challenges to initiation of a policy and practice of home birth in Saudi Arabia.METHODS: A cross-sectional design using an online 14-item online survey instrument was used to collect data from 5,930 respondents who provided their views on home birth in Saudi Arabia.FINDINGS: A total of 53.4% of respondents were interested in the concept of home birth, with the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for this interest in slightly more than one-third of respondents (37.4%). Additionally, 14.3% hoped to avoid unnecessary medical interventions in a hospital setting. It was also found that 46.6% of the respondents were not interested in the potential for a home birth, and of those, 98.8% attributed their disinterest in the safety of hospitals to their preference of a home birth.CONCLUSIONS: There was significant interest in the concept of home birth in Saudi Arabia due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. This interest was related to a desire of women to have a more positive birth experience and avoid unnecessary medical interventions. The findings suggest a clear need for a fully developed home birth policy, fully integrated with existing maternity care services in Saudi Arabia, and increased awareness of the safety and suitability of home birth for low-risk women. Home birth should be an option for women with low-risk pregnancies in Saudi Arabia.

Relationship between birth memories and recall and perception of traumatic birth in women in the postpartum one-year period and affecting factors.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-023-04336-3.