ASSESSING WOMEN'S SOURCES OF CHILDBIRTH INFORMATION: ARE THEY ADEQUATELY INFORMED ABOUT INDUCTION OF LABOR AND CESAREAN DELIVERY?

Purpose: Induction of labor and cesarean delivery are increasingly common labor and delivery procedures, affecting 20% and 30% of women, respectively.  We sought to identify sources of information regarding childbirth and ascertain how well informed pregnant women feel about these procedures.

Method: This is a cross sectional study of pregnant women at 24-36 weeks gestation. Participants completed a face-to-face interview, which included the administration of a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, reproductive history, sources of information about childbirth, and participants’ views of the adequacy of information they had received about labor in general, induction of labor, medications used in labor, pain control options, vaginal and cesarean delivery, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and breastfeeding. Multivariable regression was utilized to assess predictors of preferred sources of knowledge about childbirth and of feeling adequately informed.

Result: In this population of 160 women, healthcare providers (87%), family and friends (74%), past experience (67%) and the internet (64%) were the primary sources of information about childbirth. Only 22% of the participants cited prenatal classes as a source of information. 85% felt that they had enough information about childbirth, but 46% felt they were not adequately informed about cesarean, and 33% felt they were not adequately informed about induction of labor. The only significant predictor of feeling adequately informed was childbirth history; not surprisingly, multiparous women were more likely to feel adequately informed. Educational level and race/ethnicity were not predictive of feeling adequately informed, or of reporting particular sources of information.

Conclusion: Most participants obtained their childbirth information from healthcare providers, family and friends, past experience, and the internet. Women report a need for more information about cesarean delivery and induction of labor, and most do not identify prenatal classes as a significant source of knowledge. Given the recent dramatic increase in the number of women undergoing induction of labor and cesarean delivery, providing adequate information to pregnant women regarding these procedures is crucial.  This information should be considered when designing patient education programs for pregnant women and counseling women about what to expect on labor and delivery.