International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 109, Issue 3 , Pages 201-203, June 2010

A survey of Russian women regarding the presence of a companion during labor

  • Yekaterina Bakhta

      Affiliations

    • Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Room 206, Interns and Residents Dorm, 1200 North State Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Tel.: +1 310 612 4065.
    • ,
  • Richard H. Lee

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA

Received 14 October 2009; received in revised form 28 December 2009; accepted 2 February 2010. published online 03 March 2010.

Abstract 

Objective

To assess qualitatively the attitudes of Russian women toward the presence of a support person during labor.

Methods

Pregnant and postpartum women were surveyed at the Omsk County Maternity and Delivery Hospital, Omsk, Russia. Demographic information was obtained, and each woman was asked about her opinions regarding the presence of a companion during labor.

Results

Of the 70 women interviewed, 68.6% declined to have a partner present during labor. The most common reasons were that they: felt afraid for their husband (15.7%); felt personally embarrassed (17.1%); wanted to have a private experience (22.9%); and thought it would adversely affect their sex life (8.6%). Only 17.1% of the women agreed and were able to have a companion present during labor. In total, 31.4% of women were unable to have a companion present, for the following reasons: family matters; husband declined; husband did not undergo necessary laboratory tests; or spontaneous labor.

Conclusion

Many Russian women viewed childbirth as a medical process that should not involve social interaction. It is important for physicians to understand that there is a wide range of cultural differences in childbirth practice.

Keywords: Birth attendant, Labor, Pregnancy, Russia

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PII: S0020-7292(10)00091-3

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.01.021

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 109, Issue 3 , Pages 201-203, June 2010

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