Enhancing maternal autonomy in choosing birthing positions: an exploratory pre-post intervention study protocol...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Childbirth Research

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on the benefits of specific birthing positions, yet the supine position is most common.
• Maternal satisfaction is linked to autonomy and active participation in birth position choice.
• Labour dynamics, insufficient information, and sociocultural norms often restrict maternal autonomy in childbirth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance maternal autonomy in childbirth through activating information and psychological nudges.
• To encourage women to explore and autonomously choose birthing positions aligning with their needs.
• To increase the proportion of mothers who feel their final birthing position was appropriate.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory pre-post controlled intervention study across six German obstetrics departments.
• Intervention involves informing and nudging women to move and try various positions during childbirth.
• Primary endpoint: proportion of mothers reporting their final birthing position felt appropriate; secondary endpoints include upright positions and health outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to measure the impact of the intervention on maternal autonomy and birthing position choice.
• Data collection includes maternal longitudinal data, perspectives from birth companions, and healthcare professionals.
• Analysis will compare pre- and post-intervention data to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Conclusions:

• The intervention is expected to empower women to make more autonomous decisions regarding their birthing positions.
• Findings will contribute to understanding how to better support maternal autonomy in clinical practice.
• The study aims to improve the childbirth experience by respecting individual maternal needs and preferences.