Perceptions of birth and planned and unplanned modes of delivery

Abstract

Background: In the modern world women’s perceptions of birth are shaped by culture, myths and abundant information. Although birth has been medicalized, women can take part in the decision-making process regarding how and where to birth. The current study investigates how perceptions of birth relate to birth choices and mode of delivery. Method: 850 Israeli parturients were asked to fill in questionnaires measuring beliefs about birth as a medical or natural process, fear of birth (FoB) and planned birth choices. 6 weeks postpartum actual mode of delivery and birth satisfaction were assessed. Findings: Stronger beliefs about birth as a natural process were related to less FoB and more natural birth choices, such as homebirth and analgesia-free birth. Stronger beliefs about birth as a medical process were related to more FoB, more medical birth choices, such as use of epidural and more unplanned modes of delivery such as assisted vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean section. Discussion: Perceptions of birth are the basic building blocks that shape women’s birth choices. Understanding them could improve psychological and medical interventions and outcomes.