How do obstetric variables influence the dimensions of the birth experience as assessed by Salmon's item list (SIL-Ger)?
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the effect of obstetric variables on four dimensions of the birth experience.


METHODS
The birth experience of 251 German-speaking women was assessed at 48-96 h postpartum by means of Salmon's item list--German-language version (SIL-Ger). METHOD/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Statistical correlations and variances between four dimensions of the birth experience (fulfillment, emotional adaptation, negative emotional experience, physical discomfort) and common obstetric variables were calculated. The explained variance is assessed by a stepwise regression analysis.


RESULTS
In general the variance explained by the investigated obstetric variables per se is low. The mode of delivery affects the dimension of negative emotional experience with a constant qualitative worsening in the order of spontaneous deliveries, instrumental deliveries, elective and unplanned caesarean sections. Epidurals are associated neither with positive nor with negative evaluative feelings. To assess the impact of duration, the subjective latent phase of labour has to be taken into consideration in addition to the duration of labour itself. Not only very long durations of labour, but also very short ones may induce negative evaluative feelings in the immediate postpartum.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research on this question must include the aspect of the parturients' subjective perception of both obstetric procedures and the attending staff. Clinicians should be aware that epidurals and elective caesarean sections do not necessarily enhance positive evaluative feelings in the immediate postpartum.
Stadlmayr
Werner
W
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Bern, Basel, Switzerland. wstadlmayr@gmx.com
Schneider
Henning
H
Amsler
Felix
F
Bürgin
Dieter
D
Bitzer
Johannes
J
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000523:psychology; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology; D008423:Maternal Age; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires