Women’s lived experiences of induction of labour in late- and post-term pregnancy within the Swedish post-term induction study – a phenomenological study

Abstract

Purpose There is a trend worldwide to induce pregnant women earlier. However, few studies have focused on women’s experiences. The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of women’s lived experiences of induction of labour in late- and post-term pregnancy. Methods Phenomenology with a reflective lifeworld approach was chosen as the method. Twelve women participating in a larger study in which women were randomized to either induction of labour in week 41 or to expectant management until week 42, were interviewed one to three months after giving birth. Results The essence is described as follows: labour becomes another journey than the intended one. The women adapted to this new journey by seeing the advantages and handing themselves over to the healthcare system, but at the same time something about giving birth could be lost. The result is further described by its four constituents: planning the unplannable, being a guest at the labour ward, someone else controlling the labour , and overshadowed by how it turned out . Conclusion Induced labour presents a challenge to maternity personnel to support the birthing woman’s normal progress, not to rush her through labour, and to involve her in the process.

Effectiveness of Single Fetal Membrane Sweeping in Reducing Elective Labor Induction for Postdate Pregnancies (38+0 to 40+6 Weeks): A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…It's noteworthy to mention that McColgin et al's study [33] also reported a seven-day difference, even though the treatment group had a significantly higher parity than the control group. Similarly, consistent seven-day earlier delivery in the membrane sweeping groups have been reported in different studies [58][59][60].…”

“…Maternal risks linked to postdate pregnancies include increased rates of obstructed labor (2%-7% at 40 weeks to 9%-12% beyond 42 weeks), third and fourth-degree perineal lacerations due to fetal macrosomia (increasing from 2.6% at 40 weeks to 3.3% at 41 weeks), and higher rates of operative vaginal delivery and cesarean sections (from 7% at 40 weeks to 14% after 42 weeks) [29][30][31][32]. The emotional toll of postdate pregnancies, including anxiety, frustration, and marital discord, is often underestimated [32][33][34]. Preventing postdate pregnancies is crucial to avoiding these complications.…”

“…Inducing labor before 42 weeks gestation has the potential to prevent these complications, but it can impact the birthing experience for women [33]. The procedure often occurs when labor wards are busiest, increasing the strain on staff.…”

Safety, effectiveness, womenʼs experience, and economic costs of outpatient induction in women with uncomplicated pregnancies: A systematic review and meta‐analyses

“…19 Moreover, a newly published qualitative interview study reports that women in SWEPIS whose labor was induced stressed the importance of maternity personnel supporting the normal birthing progress, not rushing them through labor but involving them in the progress. 20 The importance of advice based on the latest evidence to women with the possibility of induced labor is also recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. 21 We speculate that this is also important for women undergoing outpatient induction.…”

“…The women in the SWEdish Post‐term Induction Study, SWEPIS 1 study, all rated their childbirth experiences highly, and the women in the early induction group also rated participation in the decision‐making process statistically significantly higher than women in the expectant management group 19 . Moreover, a newly published qualitative interview study reports that women in SWEPIS whose labor was induced stressed the importance of maternity personnel supporting the normal birthing progress, not rushing them through labor but involving them in the progress 20 . The importance of advice based on the latest evidence to women with the possibility of induced labor is also recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines 21 .…”