Women's experience of decision making about mode of delivery after a previous caesarean section: the role of health professionals and information about health risks.
OBJECTIVE
To explore women's experiences of decision making about mode of delivery after previous caesarean section.


METHODS
A qualitative interview study.


METHODS
Two city maternity units in southwest England and Eastern Scotland.


METHODS
Twenty-one women who had recently delivered a baby and whose previous child was delivered by caesarean section.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews analysed using the framework approach.


METHODS
Women's views on the influence of uncertainty on decision making, issues concerning information provision and decision-making roles.


RESULTS
Experiences of decision making varied considerably. Some women were certain about choosing either vaginal birth after caesarean or repeat elective caesarean section, others were very uncertain and for some this uncertainty persisted after the birth. Information was most commonly provided by hospital doctors (mainly consultants) and more often related to procedural issues rather than possible health risks and benefits. Women felt they had to actively seek information rather than it being provided routinely. Most women were able to make their own decision about mode of delivery. Health professionals generally took a supportive role whichever mode of delivery was chosen. Although many women were comfortable with this approach, some felt they would have liked more guidance.


CONCLUSIONS
On the whole, women experienced having control over the decision about planned mode of delivery. For many, making this decision was difficult and for some it was the cause of prolonged anxiety. Women were often making the decision without being provided with comprehensive and specific information about possible health risks and benefits. We are currently conducting a randomised controlled trial to investigate whether access to a decision aid is beneficial to women in this situation.
Emmett
C L
CL
Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, Department of Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. clare.emmett@bristol.ac.uk
Shaw
A R G
AR
Montgomery
A A
AA
Murphy
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003657:Decision Making; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000523:psychology