303 What information do pregnant women need before an instrumental birth? An online survey

Published Date: 03rd August 2026

Publication Authors: Williams. G

Objectives
Understanding birth options, including instrumental birth, is essential to support informed decision making about birth. However, women frequently report insufficient information about the risks and benefits of an instrumental delivery, highlighting the need to identify important information to support antenatal preparation.

Methods
Data was collected via an online UK-wide survey shared on social media. Participants provided demographic information and open-ended responses describing the information they considered essential to discuss prior to instrumental birth.

Results
The survey was completed by 525 participants. Of those, 64% had recently given birth; 20% were pregnant or trying to conceive; 6% were midwives; 6% were obstetricians and gynaecologists; and 5% were other stakeholders (e.g. birth partners and members of relevant organisations); 13% reported experience of an instrumental birth.

Three themes emerged as important to be discussed prior to an instrumental birth: reasons for acute decision making; communication of risk; and education around recovery. Participants highlighted the need to understand why instrumental birth is recommended and considered appropriate. Clear accessible communication, reassurance and partner inclusion were essential. Respondents valued personalised discussion of short- and long-term risks, including physical and psychological, and the impact on future pregnancies.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that current communication and information provision surrounding instrumental birth may be insufficient. Stakeholder consensus from this survey will inform development of a core information set to improve consistency, support informed decision making, and enhance understanding of instrumental birth options nationally.

Williams, G et al. (2026). 303 What information do pregnant women need before an instrumental birth? An online survey. BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 133(S1), p.S104. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.70283 [Accessed 3 September 2026]