Mother's view on their experience of induction of labour.

Abstract

Induction of labour is defined as; the attempt through artificial means to initiate the labour process so as to bring about the delivery of the neonate before spontaneous onset (Liu, 2007). It is a common obstetric procedure in many countries including Malta. Although there is plenty of research assessing the advantages and disadvantages of this practice, there is very little research on women's views and their experiences. This study's objectives were to determine the mother's views on induction oflabour and their perception of any complication in their labour, and to evaluate their feelings relating to the birth outcome following their induction of labour. The study was carried out by giving questionnaires to 29 purposively selected mothers, who had been induced in labour, during their postnatal hospital stay. The questionnaire used to elicit data from participants had two sections; a quantitative and a qualitative section, and questions concerned relevant data about the pregnancy and labour, as well as maternal views and opinions respectively. Questionnaires were completed by 76% of the sample. The main factors that came out were the possible relationship between pain relief and the methods of induction and the difference in outcome between primigravidae and multigravidae, with all complications relating to the mode of delivery occurring in the primigravidae. The main themes that emerged from the study were having a healthy baby, support from the midwives, having a short labour, and involvement in the decision for induction of labour. Results indicate that it is not the level of interventions carried out in labour that affects the positivity of the experience for the mother, but rather having support during the labour process and being able to finally have her baby in her hands. Nevertheless, induction of labour carries risks to both mother and foetus, and based on findings obtained, it is necessary to monitor current practice on induction rates and justification for induction of labour because of discrepancies found between results and recommended practice in the literature. Finally, midwives and other healthcare professionals need to be aware of those factors which affect the mothers' views so that every effort is made to improve their experience and outlook on labour. .