RecruitingInterventional

Birth options feasibility trial

This study explores how to help first-time mothers in England make informed decisions about childbirth. About 42% of births in England are caesareans, and many of these are emergencies, which can sometimes be upsetting. Women have said they want clearer information to guide their choices. This research is a small, early-stage trial to see if it's possible to run a bigger study later on. It compares three approaches: usual care, a guided chat about birth options, and a guided chat with a tool that predicts the chance of needing an emergency caesarean. The long-term goal is to see if these approaches improve women's satisfaction with their birth choices and potentially lower the number of emergency caesareans.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

180

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Birth options

What is this study about?

Imagine you're expecting your first baby and want to understand all your options for giving birth. That's exactly what this study is exploring! In England, a lot of babies are born by caesarean section – about 4 out of every 10 births. More than half of these are emergency caesareans, which can sometimes be a difficult experience for mothers. We've heard from many women that they wish they had more clear and helpful information to make decisions about their birth.

This study isn't looking for all the answers yet. Instead, it's a 'feasibility trial', which means it's a practice run to see if a bigger study later is possible and how best to do it. It wants to find out if offering different types of support – like special conversations or tools to help predict things – can make a positive difference. Ultimately, the hope is that new mothers will feel more satisfied with their birth experiences and that fewer emergency caesareans will be needed.

The researchers are trying out three different approaches: one group will receive the usual care they would normally get, another group will have a guided chat about their birth choices, and a third group will have that same guided chat along with a special tool that helps predict the likelihood of needing an emergency caesarean. By testing these methods now, the team hopes to learn how they work in real life, so they can design a larger study in the future that could potentially improve care for many more mothers.

Key takeaways

A study looking at ways to help first-time mums make birth choices.
Aims to see if better information can reduce emergency caesareans.
Compares usual care with guided chats and a prediction tool.
Participation involves questionnaires and a potential guided conversation.
Could help you feel more informed and improve future maternal care.
No major risks; you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are pregnant with their first baby. You would need to be between 28 and just under 37 weeks pregnant when you join. You must be at least 16 years old, and your pregnancy should be with one baby.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you already have a plan for a planned caesarean section, or if your doctor has told you that you need a caesarean for a medical reason (like certain placenta problems), then this study wouldn't be suitable. Also, if you are pregnant with twins or more, or if this isn't your first ongoing pregnancy, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you pregnant with your first ongoing baby?
Are you between 28 and just under 37 weeks pregnant?
Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you pregnant with one baby (not twins or more)?
Have you already planned for a caesarean, or has your doctor told you that you need one for medical reasons?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your journey will start by filling out a questionnaire when you are between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant. After this, you'll be randomly placed into one of three groups, a bit like drawing straws, to make sure the study is fair. One group will receive their usual care, another will have a special guided conversation about birth options, and the third will have this conversation plus a tool that helps predict the chance of an emergency caesarean.

This guided conversation would happen at around 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that, you'll still have the freedom to choose your preferred birth method: vaginal birth, induction, or a planned caesarean. The study team will gather feedback from you, your midwives, and doctors. You'll also complete short questionnaires about your mental health and what you expect from your birth, both after the conversation and then again at 6 weeks and 6 months after your baby is born. The study is expected to run from January 2026 to September 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some real benefits. You might feel more informed and confident about your choices for giving birth, which can be very empowering. Your involvement could also help improve the care and information available for mothers in the future. As for risks, there are no major physical risks involved. However, the conversations and questionnaires will take some of your time, and some of the questions might occasionally cover sensitive topics, which could feel a bit emotional for some people. It's important to remember that you are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect the care you receive.

Locations (1)

Liverpool Women's Hospital
Approximate
Liverpool, England

Common questions

Why is this study only for first-time mothers?

The study focuses on first-time mothers because their birth experiences can be different from those who have had babies before, and understanding their choices is a key goal.

What does 'usual care' mean in this study?

'Usual care' means you'll receive the standard care, information, and support that any pregnant woman would normally get from their healthcare team.

What is the 'prediction tool' for emergency caesarean?

This tool is designed to give you an idea of your individual chances of needing an emergency caesarean, based on various factors. It's there to help you discuss your options with your healthcare team.

Will my choices for birth be limited if I take part?

No, taking part in the study will not limit your choices. After your conversation, you will still be able to choose between a vaginal birth, induction, or a planned caesarean, just as you would normally.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK, which supports important health research.

How to find out more

Abi Merriel

BirthOptions@liverpool.ac.uk +44 (0)7801259569 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.