Violence, fear of childbirth and mode of delivery | ICRH

TEAM MEMBERS 

Ms. An-Sofie Van Parys; Dr. Kristien Roelens; Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman; Dr. Thora Steingrimsdottir; Ms. Hildur Kristjansdottir; Prof. Dr. Ann Tabor; Ms. Anne-Mette Schroll; Prof. Dr. Helle Karro; Ms. Marge Mahla; Prof. Dr. Berit Schei; Ms. Mirjam Lukasse; Prof. Dr. Elsa Lena Ryding; Ms. Anne-Marie Wangel

PERIOD 

01/01/2008-31/12/2010

OBJECTIVES

Main objectives 

• To asses violence related factors that may influence pregnant women's fear of childbirth and how this affects the mode of delivery

Specific objectives

• What is the prevalence of fear of labour in the different partaking countries in Europe?
• Are there differences between the countries in relation to the women wishing to give birth by Caesarean section? Can this be related to fear of labour?
• Are socio-economic factors related to fear of labour? Can these factors explain differences in the prevalence of fear of labour?
• Which life-events are related to fear of labour?
• Is physical, sexual, or emotional abuse related to fear of labour?
• Which women are referred, or seek help themselves, for their fear of labour?
• Does previous abuse influence women's desire to give birth by caersarean section?
• Does previous abuse affect the mode of delivery and complications during birth?
• Does previous abuse whithin the health care system have effect on the experience of fear of labour?
• Is there a relationship between fear of labour and mode of delivery, especially operative delivery?

METHODS

The study is designed as a longitudinal cohort study using questionnaires. It will be conducted as a multi-country (Belgium, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden) study of women who attend antenatal care in the participating countries.

ACTIVITIES

On April 14th 2008 a seminar on fear of childbirth and violence was organised in Tallinn, Estonia.

EXPECTED RESULTS

National and international publications on the reserach-results.