Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Professional Decision Making in Childbirth.

This research explores why medical interventions, such as C-sections, are becoming more common in childbirth in the UK. Researchers want to understand the reasons behind decisions made by doctors and midwives during labour and birth. They'll observe how healthcare professionals decide when to use medical tools or procedures, considering what risks they see and how they talk about these with expectant parents. The study will watch what actually happens in maternity units to understand the real-life factors influencing these important decisions. This helps us learn more about current childbirth practices and improve support for families.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2026

Childbirth Problems

What is this study about?

This study is looking into why more and more medical interventions are being used during childbirth in the UK, like caesarean sections, which have become much more common recently. These interventions can be life-saving for mothers and babies, but it's not always clear why their use has increased so much.

The research aims to understand the many factors that influence doctors and midwives when they make decisions during childbirth. A big part of this involves looking at how risks are thought about and discussed by healthcare professionals and expectant parents. The study will observe these interactions in real maternity units to see how decisions are made in practice, rather than just what people say they do.

This is important because it will give us new insights into how decisions are made about medical help during childbirth, especially at a time when there's growing concern about maternity care and the number of interventions. Currently, there isn't much research that looks at these real-life situations, so this study will help us better understand and potentially improve care for mums and babies.

Key takeaways

The study looks at why medical interventions in childbirth are becoming more common.
It focuses on decisions made by doctors and midwives during labour and birth.
Researchers will observe how risks are considered and decisions are made in real time.
This is an observational study, not one that involves new treatments.
The aim is to improve our understanding of UK maternity care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthcare professionals who work in maternity care.

Specifically, it includes midwives and obstetricians (doctors specialising in pregnancy and childbirth) because they are the main people who make decisions during childbirth.

Other staff, like neonatologists (doctors for newborn babies), anaesthetists (pain specialists), or maternity support workers, will not be included. While these team members are very important and can influence discussions, this study is focusing only on the healthcare professionals who hold the main responsibility for birth decisions.

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 a midwife or an obstetrician?
Do you make clinical decisions during childbirth?
Are you 21 years old or older?
Are you male or female?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves researchers observing what happens in maternity units. If you are a midwife or obstetrician who fits the criteria, your decisions and interactions during your normal working day will be observed. This means the researchers will be present in the Obstetric Unit and Alongside Midwifery Unit to see how professional decisions are made about medical interventions during childbirth. There is no specific duration mentioned for individual participation, but it involves observing your day-to-day work.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves observation of your daily practice as a healthcare professional. There are no anticipated direct medical benefits or risks for patients as their care will continue as normal. For staff, the benefit is contributing to a better understanding of professional decision-making in nationwide maternity care. There are no direct personal risks involved, but the study acknowledges the observation takes place in a sensitive clinical environment. You would have the right to withdraw from being observed at any point without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is this study trying to find out?

It's trying to understand why doctors and midwives make certain decisions about using medical help during childbirth, and how they think about risks.

Who can take part in this study?

Only midwives and obstetricians (doctors for pregnant women) who make decisions during childbirth can take part.

Will my medical care be changed if I'm involved?

No, this study only observes what healthcare professionals do; it does not change the care patients receive.

What does 'ethnography' mean in this study?

It means researchers will spend time observing and understanding how things happen in real life within the maternity unit.

Why is this research important?

It will help us understand better why medical interventions in childbirth are increasing and how maternity care decisions are made in the UK.

How to find out more

Deborah Naish, MA, MSc

deborah.naish@kcl.ac.uk 07494028198 Official trial record

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