Aspettative e motivazioni che influiscono sulla scelta del luogo del parto nelle donne in gravidanza: uno studio qualitativo

INTRODUCTION In the last fifty years we have seen a massive shift of the place of birth from home to the hospital. This has generated an unjustified increase of obstetric procedures, not even necessary, on healthy women with normal pregnancy. The transformation of labor into a technocratic event brought women to lose confidence in themselves and in the physiological process of childbirth. Women with an uncomplicated pregnancy should be free to choose, according to their preferences, the place of birth and have the opportunity to be followed by the midwife. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this qualitative study is to identify factors expressed by women that drive them in the choice of place of birth, in some areas of the Lombard context. METHODS At the end of the data collection a semistructured interview has been proposed to pregnant women. The convenience sample was sourced through pregnant courses held outside the hospital setting and through snowball sampling. RESULTS The interviews showed that the main reasons that influence the choice of place of birth are convenience and proximity to the property. This is to have an easier organization (smaller travel to the hospital, in particular to spend less time) and to be near parents for each eventuality (necessity of something like clothes, products needed in post partum that are not available in the hospital like creams for fissures, belly band…) Another motivation is security. Someone intend security as availability of technology and skilled personnel, others see security as warm and welcoming atmosphere. Others motivation are the hospital's reputation, knowledge of the structure and personnel. Medical advice affects only those who have health problems. Important are the personal past experiences that may affect it positively and negatively. CONCLUSION Know the reasons that affect the choice of place of birth is important for policy and organization. We have also to consider social, cultural and geographical context in which woman lives. Conoscere le motivazioni che influiscono sulla scelta del luogo del parto è importante dal punto di vista assistenziale e organizzativo. Vanno inoltre tenute in considerazione le influenze sociali, culturali e il contesto geografico in cui la donna vive. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Knowing the reasons given by women is useful to be able to provide them the basis for choosing the most suitable structure for them. RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS Since this is a qualitative study, more research is needed to understand the motivations of all women in Italy.