Maria Lindqvist1, Margareta Persson2, Margareta Nilsson3, Eva Uustal4, Inger Lindberg5. 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: maria.lindqvist@umu.se. 2. Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: margareta.persson@umu.se. 3. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: margareta.nilsson@umu.se. 4. Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Division of obstetrics and Gynaecology, Linköping University, Sweden. Electronic address: eva.uustal@regionostergotland.se. 5. Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Science, Division of Nursing, and Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: inger.lindberg@nll.se.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: this study explores women's experiences of the first two months after obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) during childbirth with a focus on problematic recovery. METHODS: this qualitative study used inductive qualitative content analysis to investigate open-ended responses from 1248 women. The data consists of short and comprehensive written responses to open-ended questions focusing on recovery in the national quality register, the Perineal Laceration Register, two months after OASIS at childbirth. RESULTS: the theme 'A worse nightmare than expected' illustrated women's experiences of their life situation. Pain was a constant reminder of the trauma, and the women had to face physical and psychological limitations as well as crushed expectations of family life. Furthermore, navigating healthcare services for help added further stress to an already stressful situation. CONCLUSIONS: we found that women with problematic recovery two months after OASIS experienced their situation as a worse nightmare than expected. Extensive pain resulted in physical and psychological limitations, and crushed expectations of family life. Improved patient information for women with OASIS regarding pain, psychological and personal aspects, sexual function, and subsequent pregnancy delivery is needed. Also, there is a need for clear organizational structures and information to guide help-seeking women to needed care.
OBJECTIVE: this study explores women's experiences of the first two months after obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) during childbirth with a focus on problematic recovery. METHODS: this qualitative study used inductive qualitative content analysis to investigate open-ended responses from 1248 women. The data consists of short and comprehensive written responses to open-ended questions focusing on recovery in the national quality register, the Perineal Laceration Register, two months after OASIS at childbirth. RESULTS: the theme 'A worse nightmare than expected' illustrated women's experiences of their life situation. Pain was a constant reminder of the trauma, and the women had to face physical and psychological limitations as well as crushed expectations of family life. Furthermore, navigating healthcare services for help added further stress to an already stressful situation. CONCLUSIONS: we found that women with problematic recovery two months after OASIS experienced their situation as a worse nightmare than expected. Extensive pain resulted in physical and psychological limitations, and crushed expectations of family life. Improved patient information for women with OASIS regarding pain, psychological and personal aspects, sexual function, and subsequent pregnancy delivery is needed. Also, there is a need for clear organizational structures and information to guide help-seeking women to needed care.