Women's experiences of transfer from a midwife-led to a consultant-led maternity unit in the UK during late pregnancy and labor.

PURPOSE: This study explored the experiences of women who were transferred from a midwife-led to a distant consultant obstetric unit before or during labor.

BACKGROUND

Little attention is given to the psychological impact of transfer, particular when it takes place prior to labor.

METHOD: Narrative and progressively focused interviews were conducted with 18 women who faced or experienced transfer prior to or during labor. The data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

The core category in the transferred group was loss. This related to loss of choice, control, continuity, and support and was associated with anger and resentment. Distress appeared most common when transfer took place late in a healthy pregnancy when the mother recognized no risk to the baby.

CONCLUSIONS

More attention needs to be paid to the psychological impact of transfer from midwife-led to consultant-led care, particularly where this involves a change of location or midwife.