Predictors of childbirth experience: Prospective observational study in eastern Spain

In recent years, birth experience has been highlighted by national and international organisations as a relevant value in measuring maternal health care quality. According to a standardised tool, we aimed to assess which clinical indicators had the most significant influence on the birth experience.

This prospective observational study was carried out in fourteen hospitals in eastern Spain. 749 women consented to the collection of birth variables at discharge, and subsequently, at 1-4 months, data were collected on the birth experience as measured by the Spanish version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire. Next, a linear regression analysis was performed to determine which clinical birth indicators greatly influence the birth experience measure.

The study sample (n = 749) was predominantly Spanish and primipara, with 19.5% vaginal births. The predictors that emerged in the linear regression model were to have a birth companion (B = 0.250, p = 0.028), drink fluids during labour (B = 0.249, p < 0.001), have early skin-to-skin contact (B = 0.213, p < 0.001) and being transferred to a specialised room for the second stage of labour (B = 0.098, p = 0.016). The episiotomy (B = -0.100, p < 0.015) and having an operative birth (B = -0.128, p < 0.008) showed a negative influence.

Our study supports that intrapartum interventions recommended according to clinical practice guidelines positively influence the mother's birth experience. Episiotomy and operative birth should not be used routinely as they negatively influence the birth experience.