What the study found
Women with fear of birth reported that some parts of intrapartum care did not meet their needs, while a few aspects were rated better than expected. Few differences were found between women who had a known midwife during labour and birth and those who did not.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that aligning care content with women’s needs and values remains essential to improve satisfaction and outcomes in intrapartum care. The study suggests this is relevant for women with fear of childbirth as well as for continuity models of care.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out a prospective longitudinal cohort study with 142 women with fear of birth who took part in a midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) project in rural Sweden. Women completed two online questionnaires, and the study used the Quality from the Patients’ Perspective instrument to compare perceived reality with subjective importance in intrapartum care.
What worked and what didn't
Deficiencies were found in perception of control, involvement in decision-making, access to preferred pain relief, breastfeeding support, and information about labour progress. The midwife’s presence, involvement of the partner, opportunities to talk through the birth, and breastfeeding support were rated better than expected.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe limitations in detail. The results come from one MCoC project in a rural area of Sweden, and the study notes that women with a known midwife were more likely to have had certain interventions, including labour induction and epidural use.
Key points
- The study included 142 women with fear of birth in a midwifery continuity of care project in rural Sweden.
- Women reported gaps in control, decision-making, pain relief access, breastfeeding support, and information about labour progress.
- The midwife’s presence, partner involvement, talking through the birth, and breastfeeding support were rated better than expected.
- Few overall differences were found between women with a known midwife and those without one.
- Women with a known midwife were more likely to have labour induction, use the method 'Give birth without fear,' and receive an epidural.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Women with fear of birth reported mixed intrapartum care quality
- Authors:
- Ingegerd Hildingsson, Klockar Linda Nääs, Ingela Wiklund, Margareta Johansson
- Institutions:
- Mid Sweden University, Dalarna University, Uppsala University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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