Role of self-efficacy in birth choice.

The incidence of vaginal birth after cesarean section is relatively low, although the procedure is of minimal risk to the mother and fetus. The article reports a pilot study designed to investigate whether a relationship exists between the concept of self-efficacy and delivery choice. The Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, a self-administered questionnaire, was completed by 74 pregnant women. The study found that women choosing elective repeat cesarean delivery had lower self-efficacy scores on the instrument. The results suggest the need for further research using assessment of preoutcome, postoutcome, and self-efficacy expectancy scores with specifically designed classes for women who have had a previous cesarean birth.