Förlångsammad förlossning -En kvalitativ pilotstudie av kvinnors upplevelser

Prolonged labour is a common delivery complication, which causes considerable suffering both for the mother and the child. Aim: The aim of the study was to illuminate the experience/ feelings of childbirth among mothers with prolonged labour. Subjects and Methods: Four mothers with prolonged labour were interviewed, one month after delivery. The interviews were analysed using a content thematic analysis. Results: The narratives about giving birth were interpreted as a struggle in uncertainty. Themes such as An unsure start and A slow and painful beginning illustrate the feelings connected with prolonged labour. The lack of strength to give birth expresses a painful and destructive process. Themes like When strength is insufficient and To lose control relate to the poor uterine activity and describe the difficulties of the childbirth experience. When the strength to give birth is lacking the experience of becoming a mother ends in a physical and psychological exhaustion. Relief from the pain is overwhelming and An unsure and a careful beginning are themes expressing the immediate sense of becoming a mother. Conclusions: The suffering before the onset of labour and during labour and the ineffective care could only be relieved by the decision to assist delivery.