Mistreatment during labour and birth in the UK

Prevalence and Impacts

The Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research at the School of Health and Medical Sciences, City St George's, University of London welcome Dr Rebecca Webb to discuss her research on the prevalence and risk factors of maternal mistreatment during labour and birth, as part of the SHMS research seminar series.

Abstract

Background: During childbirth some women may experience maternal mistreatment. Currently no research has looked at the prevalence, risk factors and psychological impacts associated with maternal mistreatment during labour and birth in the UK.

Aim: To understand the prevalence and risk factors of maternal mistreatment during labour and birth in a sample of women giving birth in UK maternity services and to understand whether maternal mistreatment during labour and birth is associated with adverse psychological outcomes (depression, birth trauma rating; childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD); worry and fear about future births and birth satisfaction).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of CB-PTSD and birth trauma which recruited women (N=339) from 8 hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland. Women were recruited by midwives in eight hospitals across the UK and completed the survey between 6-12 weeks after birth. Maternal mistreatment was measured using the IMAGINE Euro questions on disrespect and abuse during labour and birth. Possible risk factors examined were demographic and birth related variables. Psychological outcomes assessed were depression, birth trauma rating, CB-PTSD, worry and fear about future births and birth satisfaction.

About the speaker

Dr Rebecca Webb is a research fellow in the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research. Following on from her PhD she worked on the MATRIx study which aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to perinatal mental health care. She has just completed the MATRIx 2 project which aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to perinatal mental healthcare with women from diverse backgrounds, and to co-design a care pathway with these women that aims to overcome barriers.

She is currently PI for a study which co-designs psychological support for women following perinatal loss (ORCHID study). She also works on the INTERSECT project, which is an international survey of childbirth-related trauma. She was involved in the set up and recruitment of countries into INTERSECT, and she was the Principal Investigator for INTERSECT UK.