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Summary
There is little published data on women's experiences of having had an instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD). We conducted a postal survey of women who had IVD at our centre between November 2007 and January 2008, using a semi-structured questionnaire to ascertain perceptions. The response rate was 63% (58/92). Eleven (19%) felt that the risks and benefits of an IVD were explained to them. Although 46/58 (79%) needed an episiotomy, only 17(37%) recalled an explanation. Increased fear of childbirth following IVD was reported by 16/58 (27.5%); 14 of the 58 women (24%) preferred a caesarean section if they were to need operative delivery, rather than having an IVD in a further pregnancy. Clear information about the risks and benefits of IVD and debriefing following the procedure are desirable to women having IVD. These measures may reduce fear of childbirth and also reduce maternal request for caesarean section in future pregnancies.