Understanding birth preferences after caesarean
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feelings about birth (FAB); An investigation of influences on women’s birth preferences following previous caesarean section
IRAS ID
128228
Contact name
Mairead Black
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen & NHS Grampian
Research summary
One in four babies are delivered by caesarean section. The most common reason for choosing caesarean is a history of previous caesarean. The decision to undergo repeat caesarean or attempt vaginal birth after a previous caesarean is usually made by a woman in discussion with health professionals. Ideally, women would choose the mode of birth which offers least risk to her and her offspring’s health, resulting in better use of NHS resources and less overall morbidity. In reality, women often do not choose the mode of birth that carries the lowest health risk, with social and psychological influences playing a role. Gaining a better understanding of why women make such decisions could help researchers to develop interventions to ensure high quality decisions are made.
This study aims to explore the influences on women’s birth choices after CS within the context of psychological theory.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
14/NS/0029
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion