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2006/01/25
One in four babies born in the UK is now delivered by Caesarean section, with many hospitals
delivering almost 30% in this way.
The researchers say birth partners should be prepared for the possibility of a caesarean at antenatal
classes, and briefed about the procedure in advance if it is decided to go ahead.
The study, carried out by the University of Bath and Imperial College London, focused on 65 women
scheduled for an elective Caesarean, of whom 61 had chosen their husband or male partner to be
present at the birth.
Negative expectations
The women and their birth partners were questioned before, during and after the delivery about their
fears, expectations and experiences.
The women were also assessed for their pain levels at different stages of the procedure and
immediately afterwards.
Women who had the most negative expectations before the operation experienced the highest levels
of post-operative pain.
The study also found that women were most afraid during the application of the nerve block used to
numb the lower part of the body, rather than the initial incision.
Researcher Dr Ed Keogh said pain during a Caesarean was usually more controlled than a vaginal
delivery, but the process was not painless.
"Whilst it has become a social expectation that birth partners accompany and support mothers
during a caesarean delivery, it is unclear what part birth partners play in women's experience of
childbirth.
"Whilst some women say that birth partners improve birth experiences, others report less positive
outcomes.
Offer help
He said that if a woman's partner had to be coerced into attending a birth, then maybe it was not a
good idea.
However, he added: "If a woman's partner wants to be there to support her, then they are probably
the best person to do it."
Story from BBC NEWS
© BBC MMVI
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