Informal coercion during childbirth: risk factors and prevalence estimates from a nationwide survey of women in Switzerland

Abstract Background In many countries, the increase in facility births is accompanied by a high rate of obstetric interventions. Lower birthrates or elevated risk factors such as women’s higher age at childbirth and an increased need for control security cannot entirely explain this rise Another possible factor that women are coerced to agree interventions, but prevalence coercive interventions Switzerland unknown. Methods nationwide cross-sectional online survey, we assessed informal coercion during childbirth, satisfaction with postpartum depression. Women aged 18 years older who had given birth within previous 12 months were recruited through Facebook ads various offline channels. We used multivariable logistic regression estimate ratios associated multiple individual contextual factors. Results total, 6054 completed questionnaire (a dropout 16.2%). An estimated 26.7% experienced some form childbirth. As compared vaginal delivery, cesarean section (CS) instrumental (planned CS ratio [RR]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [1.18,1.96]; unplanned RR: 1.92 [1.61,2.28]; emergency 2.10 [1.71,2.58]; 2.17 [1.85,2.55]). Additionally, migrant (RR: 1.45 [1.26,1.66]) whom self-determined was more important 1.15 [1.06,1.24]) often reported coercion. Emergency 1.32 [1.08,1.62]), being transferred hospital 1.33 [1.11,1.60]), experiencing 1.35 [1.19,1.54]) all Finally, non-instrumental while lower satisfaction. Conclusions One four experience depression To prevent traumatic after-effects, health care professionals should make every effort ensure sensitive aftercare new mothers.