“If only I had . . .”: Regrets from women with an unplanned cesarean delivery

Abstract

Two hundred twenty-seven women with an unplanned cesarean delivery as their only birth were surveyed on their regrets during childbirth, their personality, childbirth preparation, labor and delivery support, and birth satisfaction. Seventy-three percent of women reported regret which mostly centered on inaction, particularly not advocating for the self. Those with regrets reported lower birth satisfaction ( t(220) = 4.84, p < .001). Only emotional support was associated with lower likelihood of experiencing regret ( p < .001). Our results suggest the role of support in ameliorating regret and illustrate a need for further study on the role of advocacy in regret and in birth.