In labor or in limbo? The experiences of women undergoing induction of labor in hospital: Findings of a qualitative study

Abstract

Conceptualizing induction as a liminal state may enhance understanding of women's feelings and promote a more woman-centered approach to care. Thorough preparation for induction, including an explanation of possible delays is fundamental to enabling women to form realistic expectations. Care providers need to consider whether women undergoing induction are receiving adequate support, analgesia, and comfort aids conducive to the promotion of physiological labor and the reduction of anxiety.

Women‘s experiences of postterm induction of labor: A systematic review of qualitative studies

“…These studies comprised a total of 277 women, of which 161 women were participants in the study by Henderson et al, 34 which was also the only mixed-methods study with a qualitative analysis of open-ended survey questions included in this review. [35][36][37][38][39][40] However, the reporting of other participant information was very inconsistent among the studies and did not allow us to synthesize the demographic characteristics of the sample. All studies addressed women's experiences of IOL in postterm pregnancy, and six studies included only primiparous women.…”

“…The Australian study by Gatward et al 38 investigated primigravid women's experiences of postterm IOL with prostaglandin and found that some women felt that their body had failed, whereas others reported feelings of helplessness. 35 In the study by Gatward et al, 38 17 of 21 induced women initially feared increased interventions. 35,41 For example, Jay et al 35 recruited participants from an NHS Maternity Unit in the south of England and found that women who had expected to attend the low-risk birthing unit were disappointed to discover that this option was only available to women in spontaneous labor.…”

“…Three studies of high methodological quality, 35,37,38 one study of moderate methodological quality (less appropriate methodology), 33 and two studies of low methodological quality (unclear methodology and weak grounding of results) 36,39 No to very minor concerns …”

“…Thus, induction represented a "push" 38 toward the desired delivery, and for some women, the induction represented a sense of gaining control in an unpredictable situation. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41] For these women, their original hopes and expectations of spontaneous labor were disrupted by the induction guidelines or induction offer/recommendations. Now I have more control over my birth because I know when it will happen and I will be at the hospital when it starts.…”

“…35,41 For example, Jay et al 35 recruited participants from an NHS Maternity Unit in the south of England and found that women who had expected to attend the low-risk birthing unit were disappointed to discover that this option was only available to women in spontaneous labor. [34][35][36][37][38][39] Concerns for the health of the unborn baby and potential risks if the induction was not initiated were the main reasons for this behavior. As one woman explained, she had to switch her mindset from "just breathe" to suddenly "just get this needle in your arm."…”