| Description |
The purpose of this study was to describe the range of emotional experiences during childbirth and to identify the variables and events which may influence that experience. This was a descriptive, preliminary study utilizing elements of the grounded-theory approach. The sample consisted of 101 primiparous women with uncomplicated childbirth courses who delivered at six Salt Lake area hospitals. A esearcher-developed questionnaire was administered within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. After preliminary analysis of data, a subsample was selected which was divided into two groups: Those women having a peak-experience at delivery and those women having a below-average emotional experience. Contrasts were sought between these two groups for all data. The emotional experience of childbirth was not influenced by demographic variables of age, marital status, religion, occupation, employment, or income. The occurrence of peak-experience was not significantly influenced by length of labor or type of delivery. In addition, it did not seem to matter whether the pregnancy was planned or unplanned, where prenatal care was received, or whether childbirth preparation classes were attended. In this study it was found that the majority of women experienced positive emotions during childbirth which most often emerged during the pushing stage of labor and continued through delivery. The dimensions of memory of events, awareness of others, sense of control over the experience, and the desire to play an active role in childbirth were all significantly related to the occurrence of peak-experience at delivery. The condition of the infant during childbirth (as evidenced by fetal monitor tracings and Apgar scores) was influential on the emotional experience. The partner's presence and support during childbirth tended to be important to the occurrence of peak-experience. In addition, the data seem to indicate that healthcare professionals' major foci should be ensuring adequate preparation for childbirth, encouraging a woman's sense of control in childbirth, and helping the partner to support the parturient woman; all of these factors seem to enhance the emotional experience of childbirth. |
