Amb motiu del tancament d'estiu, la validació de documents es reprendrà a partir del 28 d'agost de 2026. Disculpeu les molèsties.
Con motivo del cierre de verano, la validación de documentos se reanudará a partir del 28 de agosto de 2026. Disculpad las molestias
Due to the summer closure, document validation will resume starting August 28, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Files

682620.pdf (599.5 KB)

Document type

Article

Version

Published version

Publication date

2018

Publication license

cc-by (c) Olza, Ibone et al., 2018
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/191037

Women's psychological experiences of physiological childbirth: a meta-synthesis

Journal Title

Authors

Director/Tutor

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Related resource

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020347

Abstract

Objective: To synthesise qualitative studies on women's psychological experiences of physiological childbirth. Design: Meta-synthesis. Methods: Studies exploring women's psychological experiences of physiological birth using qualitative methods were eligible. The research group searched the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, SocINDEX and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection. We contacted the key authors searched reference lists of the collected articles. Quality assessment was done independently using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Studies were synthesised using techniques of meta-ethnography. Results: Eight studies involving 94 women were included. Three third order interpretations were identified: 'maintaining self-confidence in early labour', 'withdrawing within as labour intensifies' and 'the uniqueness of the birth experience'. Using the first, second and third order interpretations, a line of argument developed that demonstrated 'the empowering journey of giving birth' encompassing the various emotions, thoughts and behaviours that women experience during birth. Conclusion: Giving birth physiologically is an intense and transformative psychological experience that generates a sense of empowerment. The benefits of this process can be maximised through physical, emotional and social support for women, enhancing their belief in their ability to birth and not disturbing physiology unless it is necessary. Healthcare professionals need to take cognisance of the empowering effects of the psychological experience of physiological childbirth. Further research to validate the results from this study is necessary. PROSPERO registration number CRD42016037072

Subject

Part, Obstetrícia, Investigació qualitativa

Subject (English)

Parturition, Obstetrics, Qualitative research

Citation

Collections

Articles publicats en revistes (Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut mental i Maternoinfantil)

Citation

OLZA, Ibone, et al. Women's psychological experiences of physiological childbirth: a meta-synthesis. BMJ Open. 2018. Vol. 8, num. 10. ISSN 2044-6055. [consulted: 18 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/191037

Export metadata

JSON - METS

Share record