Exploring women's views on information provided during pregnancy

The aim of this research was to explore women’s views on information provided during pregnancy and assess whether it met the needs of women from varying backgrounds. Information was gathered via a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire. The research focussed on hospital and home births within Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (now called Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) in Derby, UK.The questionnaire was distributed to 700 women over a three month period. There was a 47% response rate and respondents were generally representative of the local population. The research found that women obtained most of their information from health professionals, family and friends, but 28% also obtained information from the internet. They preferred information to be given in either a one-to-one discussion or written format. Although over 90% read and understood most or all of the information provided, the sub-group analysis revealed that more than half of the women in the non-professional group did not understand all of the information. Women’s individual information needs vary considerably and this should be taken into account in the planning and provision of maternity information.