The Age at Which a Woman Becomes a Mother and Her Satisfaction with the Process of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of maternal age on satisfaction at each stage of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium, and globally. An observational study was carried out in five hospitals of the Andalusian public health system with older primiparous women, from May 2016 to May 2018. Using a pre-piloted questionnaire, information was collected on pregnancy, childbirth, puerperium, newborn variables and degree of satisfaction with the care received. Crude and adjusted mean differences and the standard error of the mean were calculated. A total of 373 women participated. In total, 43.0% of the sample were very satisfied with the care received during pregnancy, and 74.2% with the care received during childbirth. During the puerperium, the highest percentage (60.4%) was found among the women who reported being quite satisfied, although the results were not significant in any of these stages (p > 0.05). No significant differences were established between women’s different age strata and maternal satisfaction. However, the average given by women regarding their satisfaction with the process, on a scale from 0 to 4, was: 3.5 ± 0.5 in general, 3.2 ± 0.8 regarding pregnancy, 3.7 ± 0.5 in childbirth and 3.1 ± 0.6 in the postpartum period. The woman’s satisfaction with the follow up and health care received during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium is independent of the mother’s age.

Evaluation of Quality of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Service Provision and Its Determinants: The Case of Health Facility Readiness and Mothers’ Perspectives

“…48 Additionally, maternal age has been found to impact satisfaction at each stage of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. 49 Furthermore, factors such as the provision of care, clinical characteristics, and the overall experience of care can influence women’s satisfaction with maternal health services. 50 , 51 It is also important to consider the prevalence of mistreatment or discrimination during pregnancy and delivery, as these experiences can contribute to lower satisfaction among younger women.…”

“…48 Additionally, maternal age has been found to impact satisfaction at each stage of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. 49 Furthermore, factors such as the provision of care, clinical characteristics, and the overall experience of care can influence women's satisfaction with 50,51 It is also important to consider the prevalence of mistreatment or discrimination during pregnancy and delivery, as these experiences can contribute to lower satisfaction among younger women. Therefore, policymakers should focus on improving the attitude of healthcare workers, reducing waiting times, addressing the cost of services, and ensuring that all women receive respectful and high-quality care to enhance the satisfaction of younger women with maternal and child health services.…”