Nulliparous Women's Expectations and Experiences of Early Labor
Author:
Heelan-Fancher Lisa,Moore Simas Tiffany A.,Mazzawi Julianne,Dumont Tina,Edmonds Joyce K.
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose:
To describe the expectations of early labor by nulliparous pregnant women in their third trimester and first-time mothers' experiences of early labor after they had given birth.
Study Design and Methods:
A descriptive qualitative approach involving semi-structured, video-call interviews conducted between September 2020 and April 2021. Data were analyzed using content analysis.
Results:
Twenty-two women took part in this study. Only 3 of the 10 nulliparous pregnant participants reported pain as an expected symptom of early labor. There were two themes identified from interviews with pregnant participants: Desire to stay at home in early labor and Lack of knowledge and two themes from interviews from postpartum participants: Expectations didn't match experiences and Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty during early labor.
Clinical Implications:
Nulliparous women lack knowledge of and skills to effectively cope with pain during early labor while at home. There is a need for an innovative labor support program for childbearing women to remain safely at home in early labor.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Maternity and Midwifery,Pharmacology (nursing)
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