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Women's Knowledge About Induction of Labour and Its Association With Their Experience

NCT07616765 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 112

Last updated 2026-06-01

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Induction of labour (IOL) is a common procedure to initiate childbirth, around one in three pregnant women having their labour induced in the UK. Labour may be induced for many different reasons, including going past the due date, having high blood pressure, diabetes, concerns about the baby's growth, or reduced movements.

IOL can be a complex and lengthy process, sometimes lasting up to seven days. Many women find that their expectations of IOL do not match their real experiences. Research shows that between 5% and 20% of women report a negative birth experience, and this can have lasting effects. These may include difficulties bonding with their baby, depression after birth, fear of future childbirth, or choosing a caesarean section next time.

Studies also show that women who feel unprepared for induction, or who do not fully understand the benefits, risks, and steps involved, are more likely to have a difficult experience. At the same time, research suggests that some healthcare professionals may not feel fully confident in their knowledge of induction, and their decisions may be influenced by colleagues or local practice rather than evidence alone.

This project aims to understand how much women know about induction before it begins, how this knowledge affects their experience, and how well clinicians understand and communicate about induction.

To do this, investigators will invite women who are booked for induction at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital or West Middlesex Hospital to take part in two surveys: one before induction and one after birth. Women will also be able to volunteer for an interview to talk in more detail about their experience. They will also invite all maternity staff at the Trust to complete a short survey about their knowledge and attitudes towards induction, followed by optional interviews.

Investigators aim to recruit approximately 82 pregnant women and 20 to 30 clinicians (including midwives, obstetricians, and trainees) working in the maternity department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Conditions

  • Induction of Labour

Interventions

OTHER

Survey and Interview-Based Assessment

Participants will complete questionnaires and/or take part in semi-structured interviews to assess their knowledge and experiences related to induction of labour.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Imperial College London

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-05-01
Primary Completion
2027-12-01
Completion
2028-05-01

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07616765 on ClinicalTrials.gov