Negative childbirth experiences and future reproductive decisions: a systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Psychological Obstetrics
• Women's Health Research

Background:

• Negative childbirth experiences are a significant concern in maternal healthcare.
• Understanding their long-term effects is crucial for improving reproductive well-being.
• Previous research highlights the psychological impact, but quantitative evidence on future decisions needs synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize quantitative evidence on the impact of negative childbirth experiences.
• To explore how these experiences influence women's (aged 18+) future reproductive decisions.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of the existing quantitative data.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search for quantitative studies.
• Appraisal of the quality and relevance of identified evidence.
• Synthesis of quantitative data on the association between negative childbirth experiences and reproductive decisions.

Main Results:

• Quantitative evidence indicates a notable effect of negative childbirth experiences on subsequent reproductive choices.
• Women reporting traumatic births are more likely to alter future family planning.
• Specific decision changes include delaying or avoiding future pregnancies.

Conclusions:

• Negative childbirth experiences have a quantifiable impact on women's future reproductive decision-making.
• Addressing and mitigating negative birth experiences is essential for supporting women's reproductive autonomy.
• Further research should explore interventions to improve childbirth experiences and their long-term consequences.