Women’s experiences of intrapartum care and recovery in relation to planned caesarean sections: An interview study

Approximately one third of women in high-income countries give birth by caesarean section (CS). Better understanding women’s CS experiences is vital identifying opportunities to improve experience care. To identify for service improvement investigating Australian care and recovery when undergoing a planned CS. Qualitative telephone interview study with 33 who had at eight hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted elicit perspectives, beliefs surrounding their Interviews transcribed verbatim analysed inductively using NVivo-12. Women’s mixed. Regarding intrapartum care, many stated was positive compared previous emergency CS, but scarier more medicalised vaginal birth. viewed negatively, feeling unprepared. They reported disliking how restricted role as mother, wanting time hospital, greater support continuity Women largely relatively negative recovery. wished hospital from staff during recovery, By incorporating shared decision-making antenatally, clinicians can discuss expectations them better prepare