What Should Be Discussed When Considering a Vaginal Birth? A Delphi Consensus Study.


Demetri, Andrew, Davies, Anna ORCID: 0000-0003-0743-6547, Bakhbakhi, Danya ORCID: 0000-0003-1906-5069, Hunt, Alexandra ORCID: 0000-0001-5510-0285, Ijaz, Sharea, McGuinness, Sheelagh, Beasor, Gemma, Clayton, Gemma, Bradley, Vicky, Bunni, Eve ORCID: 0009-0009-4991-3728 et al (show 7 more authors) (2026) What Should Be Discussed When Considering a Vaginal Birth? A Delphi Consensus Study. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 133 (3). pp. 520-531. ISSN 1470-0328, 1471-0528

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Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>Spontaneous vaginal births are often the presumed choice, representing 45% of UK births. However, information about benefits and risks is inconsistently given, impacting decision-making and experience. A Core Information Set (CIS) is an agreed set of information points discussed prior to a decision. We aimed to develop a CIS for vaginal birth.<h4>Design</h4>A Delphi study was used to create the CIS. Information points were identified from a literature search, patient leaflets, interviews, and a survey. These informed a two-round Delphi survey, where stakeholders rated item importance. Items rated critically important by ≥ 80% of parents or professionals, and of limited importance by < 15%, progressed to consensus meetings, where 20 parents and professionals discussed retained items. The final CIS was populated with an engagement group ensuring accessibility.<h4>Setting</h4>The study took place in the UK, with participants recruited online.<h4>Population</h4>Pregnant and postnatal women, birth partners, healthcare professionals, medicolegal professionals, and representatives from relevant organizations.<h4>Main outcome</h4>A CIS for vaginal birth.<h4>Results</h4>77 information items were identified. In round 1 (631 participants) of the Delphi Survey, 84.5% were from the patient group and 15.5% from the professional group; in round 2 (228 participants), 74.3% were from the patient group and 25.7% from the professional group. 29 items met the criteria for consensus discussion. The final CIS includes 19 information points addressing: labour process, pain relief, labour complications, procedures or interventions during labour, experiences after birth, outcomes for the baby and labour environment.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This CIS can facilitate discussions and support informed decision-making about vaginal birth.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Options Collaborative Group
Divisions: Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences (T&R staff)
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Women's & Children's Health
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Health Data Science
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 20 Nov 2025 15:51
Last Modified: 07 Jan 2026 10:17
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70071
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.70071
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3195545
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