The relationship between pregnant women's perception of traumatic birth and their mode of delivery preference

This study aims to examine the relationship between pregnant women's perception of traumatic birth and their preference for the mode of delivery.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 12, 2023, and June 22, 2023, in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a state hospital in Turkey. The study population consisted of pregnant women who applied to the clinic during the study period. The inclusion criteria were being 18 years or older, having a singleton pregnancy between the 20th and 40th gestational weeks, and having no high-risk pregnancy conditions. The exclusion criteria included pregnancy through assisted reproductive techniques and the presence of intellectual disabilities. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were selected through a non-probability random sampling method. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the traumatic childbirth perception scale, and the belief scale for normal delivery.

Among the participants, 71.8% preferred cesarean section over vaginal delivery. A significant negative correlation was found between the perception of traumatic birth and the belief in and preference for vaginal delivery (r=-0.427, p<0.001). Pregnant women with a higher perception of traumatic birth were more likely to choose cesarean delivery.

The findings suggest that a higher perception of traumatic birth is associated with a decreased preference for vaginal delivery. Addressing these concerns may help support informed decision-making regarding childbirth.