Women's Decision-Making And Factors Affecting Their Choice Of ...

Findings of the review
One of the aims of the review was to assess the state of evidence regarding
women's views about factors influencing their preferences for home or hospital
birth. As is true for all researches, the weight of evidence is built up by
repetitions and replication of studies in different locations, with diverse
populations and by employing different methods. Four studies were conducted in
the United Kingdom, two in the United States of America, one in Australia, one in
The Netherlands, and one in Canada.
Five studies indicated that women choosing out of hospital birth were
hoping to have more flexibility, choice and control of the birth process (Davies,
Hey, Reid et at 1996; Fordham 1997; Kleiverda, Steen, Anderson et al 1990;
Mackey 1990; Soderstrom, Stewart, Kaitell et at 1990). Eight studies found that
most women planning a hospital birth were concerned about safety (Chamberlain,
Wraight, and Crowley 1997; Cunningham 1993; Fordham 1997; Jones and Smith
1996; Kleiverda, Steen, Anderson et at 1990; Mackey 1990; Mather 1980;
Soderstrom, Stewart, Kaitell et at 1990). In one study, women chose hospital
because they wanted the availability of pain relief (Soderstrom, Stewart, Kaitell et
at 1990). Previous experience with a facility, was found in five studies to
influence choice (Chamberlain, Wraight, and Crowley 1997; Jones and Smith
1996; Mackey 1990; Mather 1980; Soderstrom, Stewart, Kaitell et at 1990). Two
studies mentioned the doctor's suggestion of a hospital birth (Cunningham 1993;
Jones and Smith 1996), and two mentioned preference for attendance by a doctor
(Mackey 1990; Mather 1980) as having influenced their choice. In four studies,
women wanted a home birth because they wanted the presence of their family and
friends at the birth (Cunningham 1993; Davies, Hey, Reid et at 1996; Kleiverda,
Steen, Anderson et at 1990; Soderstrom, Stewart, Kthtell et at 1990).
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