Influence And Meaning Of The Hospital Birth Environment On The Labour Experiences Of Nulliparous Women: a Systematic Review.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/toxicologydigest.vol5no1.56Keywords:
Influence and meaning, Nulliparous women, Hospital-based birth environment, Labour experience, Maternal Health Care.Abstract
Aim:
This systematic literature review explores how hospital environment influence the labour experiences of nulliparous women (first-time mothers). By synthesizing literature from 1989–2024, the study aims to provide insight into shaping better maternal care within teaching hospital settings.
Methodology:
The researcher utilized PICO framework to search PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The key focus areas included: Population: Nulliparous women. Intervention: Hospital-based birth environment. Comparison: Traditional birth. Outcome: Influence on maternal health experiences. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed, English-language studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.
Results:
The data reveals a significant surge in research interest over the last five years, with 2019 and 2022 representing the peaks of academic inquiry (27.8% each). Positive experiences were strongly linked to supportive interactions with healthcare providers, physical comfort and emotional support; however, negative experiences were associated with high levels of medical intervention, excessive interventions, lack of support, and rigid hospital protocols.
Conclusion:
The birth environment is a critical determinant of labour outcomes and psychological experience of first-time mothers. While Western studies provide a strong foundation, the review concludes that healthcare providers must foster a more supportive and holistic environment globally. A notable gap exists in the literature regarding Sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a dire need for localized studies in diverse cultural contexts. However, improving the physical and sensory aspects of hospital wards can lead to superior maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
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