Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: One in 100 women who give birth in the UK develop life-threatening illnesses during childbirth. Without urgent medical attention these illnesses could lead to the mother's death. Little is known about how the experience of severe illness in childbirth affects the mother, baby, and family. AIM: As part of the UK National Maternal Near-miss Surveillance Programme, this study explored the experiences of women and their partners of life-threatening illnesses in childbirth, to identify the long-term impact on women and their families. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative study based on semi-structured narrative interviews. Interviews were conducted in patients' homes in England and Scotland from 2010 to 2014. METHOD: An in-depth interview study was conducted with 36 women and 11 partners. A maximum variation sample was sought and interviews transcribed for thematic analysis with constant comparison. RESULTS: Women's birth-related illnesses often had long-lasting effects on their mental as well as physical health, including anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In some cases the partner's mental health was also affected. Women often described feeling isolated. Their experiences can have a profound impact on their relationships, family life, career, and future fertility. While some women described receiving good support from their GP, others felt there was little support available for them or their families after discharge from hospital. CONCLUSION: A near-miss event can have long-lasting and major effects on women and their families. Support in primary care, including watchful waiting for mental health impacts, can play a valuable role in helping these families come to terms with their emergency experience. The findings highlight the importance of communication between primary and secondary care.

Original publication

DOI

10.3399/bjgp15X686461

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Gen Pract

Publication Date

09/2015

Volume

65

Pages

e563 - e569

Keywords

childbirth, maternal illness, primary care, qualitative, support, Adult, Continuity of Patient Care, Family Health, Family Relations, Female, Humans, Infant, Male, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Obstetric Labor Complications, Parturition, Pregnancy, Primary Health Care, Psychosocial Support Systems, Qualitative Research, Severity of Illness Index, United Kingdom, Watchful Waiting