Obstetric anesthesia

Experiences of obstetric anaesthesia care among minoritised ethnic groups in England: a qualitative study

Int J Obstet AnesthPublished Qualitative study

Authors' conclusion

There is a mismatch between women's expectations and healthcare professionals' approaches to communicating and providing obstetric analgesia.

Study context

Population
Recently postpartum women and birth partners from minoritised ethnic groups in England, recruited via community organisations34 women · 10 birth partners
Outcome
Experiences of obstetric pain relief
Methodological detailsfocus groups, thematic analysis, modified grounded theory, Six face-to-face focus groups
  • Focus groups
  • Thematic analysis
  • Modified grounded theory
  • Six face-to-face focus groups

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

  • Understanding of analgesic options varied; many relied more on community guidance than clinician explanations
  • Interactions with healthcare professionals sometimes perceived as dismissive or insufficient, particularly in discussions about neuraxial analgesia
  • Epidural analgesia frequently viewed negatively (concerns about side effects; for some, perceptions of cultural weakness), although positive experiences also described
  • Need identified for clearer, culturally accessible information about pain relief options

Original publication

Experiences of obstetric anaesthesia care among minoritised ethnic groups in England: a qualitative study. Int J Obstet Anesth. Published 18 March 2026. doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2026.104921

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