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Published on: January 12, 2018
Birth setting decisions during COVID-19: A comparative qualitative study.
Sarah Holdren1, Laura Crook2, Anne Lyerly1
1Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
The COVID-19 pandemic clarified birth location decisions for many individuals, highlighting personal values and safety perceptions. This study emphasizes the need for better support systems for diverse birthing environments.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Public Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in out-of-hospital births globally.
- Limited research exists comparing experiences across different birth locations during this period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare narratives and decision-making processes of individuals who gave birth in and out of hospitals during the pandemic.
- To understand how the pandemic influenced birth location choices.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured narrative interviews with 24 women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Employed thematic narrative analysis on transcribed interviews.
- Identified key themes through team discussion.
Main Results:
- Three primary themes influenced birth location decisions: birth efficacy/values, definitions of safety, and logistics.
- Participants described individualized approaches to creating supportive birth environments while managing risks.
- Experiences varied across hospital, birthing center, and home births.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic enhanced clarity on individual birthing needs, risks, and benefits, rather than altering core values for some.
- There is a critical need for improved structural support to ensure access to safe and supportive birthing environments.
- Findings underscore the importance of personalized care and diverse options in maternity services.
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