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Making the invisible visible: Exploring women’s and maternity care providers’ views on an antenatal screening tool to identify women with previous traumatic birth experience and or a current fear of birth in a subsequent pregnancy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A traumatic or distressing childbirth experience may contribute to fear of birth in a subsequent pregnancy. These experiences are not always visible to clinicians, and some women may not disclose them. Early identification may help prevent re-traumatisation and improve maternity care experiences. AIMS: To use a modified Delphi co-designed Subsequent Pregnancy Screening Tool to establish the prevalence of previously experienced traumatic birth and/or current fear of birth, and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of using the tool in an antenatal clinic. METHODS: This was phase 2 of a multi-method research program. Clinicians asked multiparous women the two-question screening tool in a tertiary antenatal clinic. Women who indicated previous negative birth/maternity care experience and/or a current fear of birth, and the clinicians, were invited to complete an online survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Of 235 women screened, 130 (55%) reported a previous negative birth/maternity experience and/or a current fear of birth. Survey responses from 57 women indicated that 96.5% felt comfortable answering the questions, with 26 (46%) unsure or unwilling to disclose a prior negative experience unless asked. Women appreciated acknowledgment and validation. Thirty-nine clinicians responded: 82% agreed that the SPST imposed no time burden, and 75% reported that it identified and helped acknowledge otherwise undisclosed experiences, to commence shared decision-making. CONCLUSION: Women found the screening tool acceptable and valued acknowledgment of their experiences and current feelings, which made the invisible visible. Clinicians confirmed the SPST's acceptability and feasibility in antenatal settings.

Source: Midwifery

DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104710

Authors: Deborah Pidd, Christine East, Catina Adams, Michelle Newton

Institutions: La Trobe University, Mercy Hospital for Women

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630