Predictors of childbirth experience: Prospective observational study in eastern Spain

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Perinatal Care

Background:

• Maternal health care quality is increasingly evaluated by the birth experience.
• National and international organizations emphasize the importance of birth experience.
• Standardized tools are used to measure and assess birth experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical indicators significantly influencing the maternal birth experience.
• To assess the impact of intrapartum interventions on childbirth experience.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving maternal care.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study in fourteen hospitals in eastern Spain.
• 749 women provided consent for data collection.
• Spanish version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire used for data collection at 1-4 months postpartum.
• Linear regression analysis performed to determine influential clinical birth indicators.

Main Results:

• Having a birth companion (B=0.250, p=0.028) positively influenced birth experience.
• Drinking fluids during labor (B=0.249, p<0.001) and early skin-to-skin contact (B=0.213, p<0.001) were significant positive predictors.
• Transfer to a specialized room for the second stage of labor (B=0.098, p=0.016) also positively influenced the experience.
• Episiotomy (B=-0.100, p<0.015) and operative birth (B=-0.128, p<0.008) showed a negative influence on birth experience.

Conclusions:

• Intrapartum interventions aligned with clinical practice guidelines enhance the maternal birth experience.
• Routine episiotomy and operative birth are not recommended due to their negative impact on birth experience.
• Focusing on supportive care and minimizing unnecessary interventions can improve maternal satisfaction during childbirth.