Women’s Experiences of Vaginal Birth: A Qualitative Study

Aims: Women gain important experiences during the birth process that they will remember throughout their lives. The aim of this study is to examine women's traumatic birth experiences.Methods: This study is a qualitative study conducted with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and a Semi-structured Interview Form. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached and the study was completed with 16 women. Thematic analysis method was used in data analysis.Results: Women's experiences were analyzed under four main themes: Situations that leave a mark, Physical environment, Obstetric violence and Expectations. Conclusion: It was determined that women had traumatic experiences related to the birth process. It was determined that women experienced complex emotions during the birth process and were exposed to obstetric violence. Women characterized birth as salvation and beginning. For women to have a positive birth experience, their care should be planned in a respectful, supportive and holistic manner and their decisions should be respected. Keywords: vaginal birth, birth experience, qualitative research, phenomenology