The Experience of Women Giving Birth after Cesarean Section—A Longitudinal Observational Study

Abstract

Natural childbirth after a previous cesarean section is a debated issue despite scientific research and international recommendations. This study aimed to examine the experiences of women giving birth after a previous cesarean section, their preferences, and changes in attitudes towards childbirth after labor. This longitudinal study involved 288 pregnant women who had a previous cesarean section and completed a web-based questionnaire before and after labor, including information about their obstetric history, birth beliefs, and preferred mode of delivery. Among women who preferred a vaginal birth, nearly 80% tried it and 49.78% finished delivery by this mode. Among women declaring a preference for an elective cesarean section, 30% attempted a vaginal birth. Choosing a hospital where staff supported their decision (regardless of the decision) was the most helpful factor in preparing for labor after a cesarean section (63.19%). Women’s birth preferences changed after labor, with women who had a vaginal birth after a cesarean section preferring this mode of delivery in their next pregnancy (89.34%). The mode of birth did not always follow the women’s preferences, with some women who preferred a natural childbirth undergoing an elective cesarean section for medical reasons. A variety of changes were noticeable among women giving birth after a cesarean section, with a large proportion preferring natural birth in their next pregnancy. Hospitals should support women’s birth preferences after a cesarean section (if medically appropriate), providing comprehensive counseling, resources, and emotional support to ensure informed decisions and positive birth experiences.

Cultural adaptation, validation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of Childbirth Experience Questionnaire version 2.0 in the Spanish context

“…In contrast, negative experiences during childbirth can increase the incidence of postpartum depression, instil fear of future childbirth, reluctance to have children in the future, influence the choice of caesarean section over vaginal delivery, and lead to poor outcomes in breastfeeding [ 5 , 12 – 15 ]. The close relationship between having had a previous negative experience and the fear of childbirth is well-known [ 15 – 19 ].…”