Women’s experiences of maternity care outlined in new survey

The majority of women are pleased with the care they receive during pregnancy and childbirth, according to a national survey of over 5,300 recent mothers by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at Oxford University. While some features of care have improved in recent years, there are important areas where improvements can be made. The study is also the first nationally to include data on involvement of fathers in pregnancy and childbirth. The survey, funded by the Department of Health and conducted earlier this year, received responses from 5,333 women who gave birth across all areas of England in two weeks of October and November 2009. They gave their views on the care and information they received during pregnancy, birth and afterwards, in hospital and at home. Dr Maggie Redshaw of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at Oxford University, one of the report's authors, said: 'It's important to listen to mothers and new parents about the care they receive. Pregnancy and childbirth is a critical time in women's, babies' and families' lives.