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. 2011 Jun 1:11:40.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-11-40.

Concurrent analysis of choice and control in childbirth

Austyn Snowden  1 , Colin Martin, Julie Jomeen, Caroline Hollins Martin
Affiliations

Concurrent analysis of choice and control in childbirth

Austyn Snowden et al. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. .

Abstract

Background: This paper reports original research on choice and control in childbirth. Eight women were interviewed as part of a wider investigation into locus of control in women with pre-labour rupture of membranes at term (PROM).

Methods: The following study uses concurrent analysis to sample and analyse narrative aspects of relevant literature along with these interviews in order to synthesise a generalisable analysis of the pertinent issues. The original PROM study had found that women experienced a higher degree of control in hospital, a finding that appeared at odds with contemporary notions of choice. However, this paper contextualises this finding by presenting narratives that lucidly subscribe to the dominant discourse of hospital as the safest place to give birth, under the premise of assuring a live healthy baby irrespective of their management type.

Results: This complex narrative is composed of the following themes: 'perceiving risk', 'being prepared', 'reflecting on experience', maintaining control' and relinquishing control'. These themes are constructed within and around the medical, foetocentric, risk averse cultural context. Primary data are presented throughout to show the origins and interconnected nature of these themes.

Conclusions: Within this context it is clear that there is a highly valued role for competent health professionals that respect, understand and are capable of facilitating genuine choice for women.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Locus of control: Thematic analysis of factors impacting on choice in childbirth.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Martin CR, Jomeen J. The impact of clinical management type on maternal locus of control in pregnant women with pre-labour rupture of membranes at term. Health Psychology Update. 2004. pp. 133–13.
    1. Department Of Health. National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services: Maternity Services. 2004. - PubMed
    1. Department Of Health. Maternity Matters: choice, access and continuity of care in a safe service. London, Department of Health. London; 2007.
    1. Allingham M. Choice Theory: A Very Short Introduction. 1. New York: Oxford University Press; 2002.
    1. Edwards NP. In: Informed Choice in Maternity Care. M K, editor. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan; 2004. Why can't women just say no? And does it really matter? pp. 1–29.

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