Maternal Childbirth Experience and Time in Labor - A Population-Based Cohort Study

Abstract

A negative childbirth experience may have long term negative effects on maternal health. New international guidelines allow a slower progress of labor in the early active phase, however a longer time in labor may influence the childbirth experience. In this population-based cohort study including 26,429 women, who gave birth between Jan 2016 to March 2020, the association between duration of the different phases of active labor and childbirth experience was studied. The women assessed their childbirth experience by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Data including VAS score and labor time estimates were obtained from electronic medical records and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated.The prevalence of negative childbirth experience (VAS 1-3) was 4,9%. A significant association between longer duration of all phases of active labor and a negative childbirth experience (VAS 1-3) was found for primi- and multipara. The aOR for negative childbirth experience and longer time in active labor in primipara was 1.88, 95% CI (1.59-2.22) and for multipara aOR 1.90, 95% CI (1.59-2.28).It is of great importance to identify and optimize the clinical care of women with prolonged labor to reduce the risk of negative childbirth experience and associated adverse long-term effects.