Women’s Experiences of Physical Features in a Specially Designed Birthing Room: A Mixed-Methods Study in Sweden

AIM: To explore women’s experiences of physical features in a birthing room designed to be adaptable to personal wishes and needs during labor and birth. BACKGROUND: Childbirth is a central life event influenced by numerous factors, including the healthcare environment; however, there is insufficient knowledge on how the physical design affects women during birth. METHODS: This study was part of a randomized controlled trial in the Room4Birth research project, including women randomized to receive care in a new birthing room designed with physical features changeable according to personal wishes. Data consisted of responses to two questions analyzed with descriptive statistics (n = 202) and semi-structured interviews analyzed for content (n = 19). RESULTS: A total of 93.6% (n = 189) assessed the physical features in the birthing room as meaningful to a very high or high extent. The overall impression of the room was positive and exceeded women’s expectations. They felt welcomed and strengthened by the room, which shifted the focus to a more positive emotional state. The room differed from traditional hospital birthing rooms, contained familiar features that maintained integrity, and had space for companions. The variety of physical features was appreciated. Of nine listed physical features, the bathtub was ranked most important, followed by the projection of nature scenery, and dimmable lighting, but the room as a whole appeared most important. CONCLUSIONS: When planning and designing hospital-based birthing rooms, it is crucial to offer possibilities to adapt the room and physical features according to personal wishes.