Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.
To look at the experience of childbearing from three viewpoints: first and foremost from that of childbearing women and, in addition, taking into account the views and experiences of midwives and consultant obstetricians.
Main Topics:
Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions A)Mothers Information about previous pregnancies. Details of recent pregnancy including: arrangements for the birth; ante-natal care; preparation classes; medical symptoms experienced; worries and anxieties; sources of information; desire for further knowledge; whether induction/pain relief discussed and attitude towards. Details of baby's birth including: whether labour spontaneous or induced; reasons for induction and feelings; whether labour was accelerated and reasons; whether received pain relief; whether baby's heart monitored; whether husband present; accessibility of doctor/nurse; opinion of help received. Length of post-natal stay, contact with baby, method of feeding, problems/feelings following birth and on returning home. Comparison of experience with previous pregnancies, attitude to future maternity care. Whether information offered about birth control, choice of contraceptive, whether more children desired, attitude to abortion. Additional information was collected separately from women who had their babies at home. Details included: post-natal hospital admissions; accessibility of doctor or midwife; whether left alone at any time; who attended the delivery. B)Obstetricians Perceived advantages and disadvantages of induction, whether induction would be recommended given certain circumstances, methods used, % of births induced or accelerated, % of births induced for non-medical reasons, who explains procedure to patient. Effect of induction on baby's health/mother-baby relationship/mother's health. Opinion of use of epidurals, % of women who receive one/are offered one and whether this makes induction more likely, estimated demand for induction/epidurals/home delivery if choice available. Whether foetal monitoring/ultra sound/amniocentesis available, % of deliveries needing an episiotomy. C)Midwives As for obstetricians with addition of questions on personal preference for induction, epidural and home delivery in the event of a future pregnancy. D)Medical Records A comparison was made between some of the medical information obtained from mothers with data available from medical records. Information included; hospital admissions during pregnancy, previous obstetric history, problems during pregnancy, gestation, Caesarean sections, induction and acceleration, anaesthesia, delivery, post-natal problems of mother and baby. Background Variables A)Mothers Age at baby's birth, age left school, further education or training, husband's occupation, respondent's occupation, stage of pregnancy at which stopped work, whether currently working, nationality. B)Obstetricians Sex, age, type of appointment. C)Midwives Position, marital status, number of children, age, length of time at hospital, whether full or part-time, whether duties include community work, nationality.
No sampling (total universe)
One-stage stratified or systematic random sample
Multi-stage stratified random sample
Obstetricians: a total sample was taken of all consultants in obstetrics and gynaecology listed by the DHSS. Mothers: a two-stage sample was taken. First, 24 areas in England and Wales were selected with probability proportional to the number of births occurring in the area. Then, in each area a random sample of 100 legitimate live briths (registered in July and August 1975) were selected by OPCS. In addition, a sample of 240 legitimate still births were selected (10 from each area). Midwives: firstly, a two-stage sample of hospitals and nursing homes was taken, at which five or more of the initial sample of live births took place were selected. Then, midwives were sampled in proportion to the number of sample births at the hospital, and to give a total of 20 in each area.
Face-to-face interview
Postal survey
