Women's experiences of being induced for post-date pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the women's experiences of being booked for induction of labour for a pregnancy greater than 41 weeks gestation.


METHODS
23 primigravidae who were booked for induction: 18 were induced (induction group) and 5 went into spontaneous labour (comparison group).


METHODS
Data were collected by a series of interviews from booking to after birthing: interpretative techniques analysed verbatim transcriptions.


RESULTS
Two dimensions of being in the process of induction were identified: (1) a sense of "Time's Up," when the natural, temporal aspects of pregnancy end with an imposed birth date and sequenced induction procedures and, (2) a required "Shift in Expectations" from the women's original plan for labour and birth. The women varied in their responses from welcoming the end of pregnancy to feeling that their body or their baby was not ready for birth. A lack of meaningful information regarding the process of induction was also identified. The comparison group focused their worry on the impact of induction on the baby whereas the induction group expressed concern about the effect on themselves and loss of a natural birth. Worries in both groups were dissipated by successfully birthing a healthy baby. IMPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES: The findings sensitise midwives to women's possible responses to being booked for induction. Antenatal educators can use this knowledge to prepare women and their partners for required shifts in their birthing plan when induction is deemed necessary. Midwives can help women adapt their birth plans during the induction process.
Gatward
Hilary
H
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. hgatward@nursing.usyd.edu.au
Simpson
Michele
M
Woodhart
Lyn
L
Stainton
M Colleen
MC
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D033262:Narration; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013637:Tape Recording; D055815:Young Adult