Women's Knowledge About Induction of Labour and Its Association With Their Experience

What this study involves

The registry says this study is recruiting. Individual locations may have different availability.

Study type

Observational

Phase

Not applicable / not listed

Age range

18 years - Not specified

Sex eligible

All sexes

Healthy volunteers

Not reported

Participants

112 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

Induction of labour (IOL) is a common procedure to initiate childbirth, around one in three pregnant women having their labour induced in the UK. Labour may be induced for many different reasons, including going past the due date, having high blood pressure, diabetes, concerns about the baby's growth, or reduced movements.

IOL can be a complex and lengthy process, sometimes lasting up to seven days. Many women find that their expectations of IOL do not match their real experiences. Research shows that between 5% and 20% of women report a negative birth experience, and this can have lasting effects. These may include difficulties bonding with their baby, depression after birth, fear of future childbirth, or choosing a caesarean section next time.

Studies also show that women who feel unprepared for induction, or who do not fully understand the benefits, risks, and steps involved, are more likely to have a difficult experience. At the same time, research suggests that some healthcare professionals may not feel fully confident in their knowledge of induction, and their decisions may be influenced by colleagues or local practice rather than evidence alone.

This project aims to understand how much women know about induction before it begins, how this knowledge affects their experience, and how well clinicians understand and communicate about induction.

To do this, investigators will invite women who are booked for induction at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital or West Middlesex Hospital to take part in two surveys: one before induction and one after birth. Women will also be able to volunteer for an interview to talk in more detail about their experience. They will also invite all maternity staff at the Trust to complete a short survey about their knowledge and attitudes towards induction, followed by optional interviews.

Investigators aim to recruit approximately 82 pregnant women and 20 to 30 clinicians (including midwives, obstetricians, and trainees) working in the maternity department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

Women:

• All pregnant women who are booked for IOL at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which includes both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital.
• The ability to understand and sign a written informed consent form.
• Singleton pregnancy.

Clinicians:

• Working at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which includes both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

Women:

• Under age 18
• Women who do not have sufficient understanding of the English language to provide informed consent or to complete the questionnaires and interviews independently
• Those not meeting the inclusion criteria

Clinicians:

• Those not meeting the inclusion criteria

Study population

Pregnant women aged 18 and over who are booked for induction of labour at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (including Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital), and clinicians (midwives, obstetricians, and trainees) working in the maternity department at the same Trust.

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Not reported

Masking

Not reported

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Research locations (1)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

Imperial College London

Study start

Jul 1, 2026 Actual

Primary completion

Dec 1, 2027 Estimated

Study completion

May 1, 2028 Estimated

First posted

Jun 1, 2026 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts

No central contact is listed. Check the locations and the official record.