'Groping through the fog': a metasynthesis of women's experiences on VBAC (Vaginal birth after Caesarean section)
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) is a relevant question for a large number of women due to the internationally rising Caesarean section (CS) rate. There is a great deal of research based on quantitative studies but few qu...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Book |
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BMC,
2012-08-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) is a relevant question for a large number of women due to the internationally rising Caesarean section (CS) rate. There is a great deal of research based on quantitative studies but few qualitative studies about women's experiences.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>A metasynthesis based on the interpretative meta ethnography method was conducted. The inclusion criterion was peer-review qualitative articles from different disciplines about women's experiences of VBAC. Eleven articles were checked for quality, and eight articles were included in the synthesis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The included studies were from Australia (four), UK (three), and US (one), and studied women's experience in relation to different aspects of VBAC; decision-making whether to give birth vaginally, the influence of health professionals on decision-making, reason for trying a vaginal birth, experiences when choosing VBAC, experiences of giving birth vaginally, and giving birth with CS when preferring VBAC. The main results are presented with the metaphor <it>groping through the fog</it>; for the women the issue of VBAC is like being in a <it>fog,</it> where decision-making and information from the health care system and professionals, both during pregnancy and the birth, is unclear and contrasting. The results are further presented with four themes: 'to be involved in decision about mode of delivery is difficult but important,' 'vaginal birth has several positive aspects mainly described by women,' 'vaginal birth after CS is a risky project,' and 'own strong responsibility for giving birth vaginally'.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In order to promote VBAC, more studies are needed from different maternity settings and countries about women's experiences. Women need evidence-based information not only about the risks involved but also positive aspects of VBAC.</p> |
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| Item Description: | 10.1186/1471-2393-12-85 1471-2393 |