A comparison of Swedish and English primiparae's experiences of birth

Abstract

Data were examined from two independent questionnaire‐based longitudinal studies, ‘KUB’ in Sweden (N = 3113) and ‘Greater Expectations?’(N = 1439) in England, which had similar aims and methodology. Our joint data sets offered us the opportunity to look for similarities and differences between the samples that might contribute to women's experiences of childbirth and mode of birth, as well as psychosocial sequelae. Analyses were restricted to those giving birth for the first time. We offer this as a ‘worked example’ of the limitations of post hoc comparison and as a demonstration of what can, none the less, be learnt. Analysis revealed many commonalities as well as a number of striking differences. The most robust finding was that Swedish primiparae were significantly more likely to have an unassisted vaginal birth. The data also suggest that they used more positive terms to describe themselves in labour, but these differences between the two samples were not reflected in the evaluation of childbirth overall. Regression analyses showed that the variables associated with an unassisted birth and with childbirth satisfaction were very similar in the two samples.

Keywords:

• cross‐national comparison
• birth
• women's experience
• caesarean section
• instrumental delivery

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Ann Rudman for contributions to the initial ideas for this paper, Amanda Vipond (consultant anaesthetist, York District Hospital) and Elisabet Arbman (consultant anaesthetist, Falun Hospital). KUB was funded by grants from the Swedish Research Council, Vårdal Foundation and Centre for Clinical Research Dalarna, and Greater Expectations was funded by grants from the Nuffield Trust and NHS Executive Northern & Yorkshire Regional Research & Development.