Women's expectations, attitudes and experience of perinatal period; a scoping study

Background Many studies have explored women’s perinatal experiences. However, most studies focus on one part of the perinatal period (e.g. birth) or examine only a limited number of factors influencing the experience. To... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Many studies have explored women’s perinatal experiences. However, most studies focus on one part of the perinatal period (e.g. birth) or examine only a limited number of factors influencing the experience. To effectively improve maternity care, a broad understanding of all the factors influencing experience of the perinatal period is necessary.

The aim of this scoping study is to analyze and synthesize a wide range of research material to provide greater conceptual clarity about the factors that influence a woman’s perinatal expectations, attitudes, and experiences. This study is preparatory to a mixed methods study of women’s perinatal experiences in the Netherlands – StEM (Stemmen en Ervaringen van Moeders: The Voices and Experiences of Mothers).

Method

Electronic databases were searched using the EBSCO platform, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and, SocINDEX, to identify studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Original research using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods designs were taken into consideration. Currently, we are analyzing 223 selected studies using qualitative content analysis and the Warwick Patient Experiences Framework by Staniszewska et al. (2014).

Results (preliminary)

The experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum is complex and multidimensional. It is a continuous process that is shaped and re-shaped in the perinatal period and as it is re-lived by the woman. Despite major differences in how the perinatal period is experienced and interpreted across the countries and cultures studied, we found that it is the biomedical, psychological, and social aspects that drive women’s encounters with pregnancy, birth, and (new) motherhood. A full account of women’s perinatal experience requires a deeper understanding of these factors and how they interact.

Discussion (preliminary)

New studies of women’s experiences of the perinatal period – including our StEM study -- should take into account existing research, confirming (or challenging) those results, filling gaps in the literature, and locating findings in their social, cultural, and historical contexts.  

Statements

The perinatal experience is actively created and re-created by women over time and is shaped by social, biomedical, and psychological factors.