The relationship between pregnant women's perception of traumatic birth and their mode of delivery preference

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the relationship between pregnant women's perception of traumatic birth and their preference for the mode of delivery. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 12, 2023, and June 22, 2023, in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a state hospital in Turkey. The study population consisted of pregnant women who applied to the clinic during the study period. The inclusion criteria were being 18 years or older, having a singleton pregnancy between the 20th and 40th gestational weeks, and having no high-risk pregnancy conditions. The exclusion criteria included pregnancy through assisted reproductive techniques and the presence of intellectual disabilities. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were selected through a non-probability random sampling method. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the traumatic childbirth perception scale, and the belief scale for normal delivery. RESULTS: Among the participants, 71.8% preferred cesarean section over vaginal delivery. A significant negative correlation was found between the perception of traumatic birth and the belief in and preference for vaginal delivery (r=-0.427, p<0.001). Pregnant women with a higher perception of traumatic birth were more likely to choose cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a higher perception of traumatic birth is associated with a decreased preference for vaginal delivery. Addressing these concerns may help support informed decision-making regarding childbirth.