Sophiahemmet University College, Stockholm, Sweden.
The Swedish Red Cross University College, Huddinge, Sweden.
J Adv Nurs. 2020 May;76(5):1221-1231. doi: 10.1111/jan.14336. Epub 2020 Mar 11.
To explore retrospective descriptions about benefits, negative experiences and preparatory information related to waterbirths.
A qualitative study.
Women who gave birth in water with healthy pregnancies and low-risk births were consecutively recruited between December 2015-October 2018 from two birthing units in Sweden. All who gave birth in water during the recruitment period were included (N = 155) and 111 responded to the survey. Women were emailed a web-based survey six weeks postpartum. Open-ended questions were analysed with qualitative content analysis.
Two themes were identified related to benefits: (a) physical benefits: the water eases labour progression while offering buoyancy and pain relief; and (b) psychological benefits: improved relaxation and control in a demedicalized and safe setting. Two themes were identified related to negative experiences: (a) equipment-related issues due to the construction of the tub and issues related to being immersed in water; and (b) fears and worries related to waterbirth. In regard to preparatory information, respondents reported a lack of general and specific information related to waterbirths, even after they contacted birthing units to ask questions. Supplemental web-based information was sought, but the trustworthiness of these sources was questioned and a need for trustworthy web-based information was articulated.
Women who give birth in water experience physical and psychological benefits, but need better equipment and sufficient information. There is room for improvement with regard to prenatal and intrapartum care of women who give birth in water.
Judging from women's recounts, midwives and nurses should continue advocating waterbirth in low-risk pregnancies. The lack of adequate equipment in Swedish birthing units articulated by women challenge current routines and resources. The findings illustrate unfulfilled needs for preparatory information about waterbirth, further strengthening that midwives should discuss the possibility of waterbirth when meeting expectant parents in the antenatal setting.
探索与水中分娩相关的益处、负面体验和预备信息的回顾性描述。
定性研究。
2015 年 12 月至 2018 年 10 月，连续从瑞典的两个分娩单位招募了健康妊娠和低风险分娩的水中分娩产妇。所有在招募期间水中分娩的产妇均被纳入（N=155），其中 111 名产妇对调查做出了回应。产妇在产后六周时通过电子邮件收到了一份网络调查。采用定性内容分析法对开放式问题进行分析。
确定了两个与益处相关的主题：（a）身体方面的益处：水可缓解分娩进展，同时提供浮力和缓解疼痛；（b）心理方面的益处：在去医疗化和安全的环境中提高放松和控制感。确定了两个与负面体验相关的主题：（a）由于浴缸的结构和浸入水中的相关问题而产生的设备相关问题；（b）与水中分娩相关的恐惧和担忧。关于预备信息，受访者报告说缺乏与水中分娩相关的一般和具体信息，即使他们联系分娩单位询问问题后也是如此。他们寻求补充的网络信息，但对这些来源的可信度提出了质疑，并表达了对可靠的网络信息的需求。
水中分娩的产妇体验到身体和心理上的益处，但需要更好的设备和更充足的信息。水中分娩产妇的产前和产时护理还有改进的空间。
从产妇的描述来看，助产士和护士应继续倡导低风险妊娠的水中分娩。产妇提到瑞典分娩单位缺乏足够的设备，这对当前的常规和资源提出了挑战。这些发现说明了关于水中分娩预备信息的未满足需求，进一步强调了助产士在产前检查时与准父母会面时应讨论水中分娩的可能性。
