The maternity care experiences of women living in a diverse UK urban city: a survey study.

Objective: To understand the maternity experiences of women living in areas of high ethnic diversity and social deprivation. Design: An anonymous self-reported on-line survey incorporating demographic, clinical outcome and validated tool (Experience of Maternity Care) questions, and free text responses. Setting: A large urban NHS Trust in Northwest England Sample Postnatal women, living in eight postcodes identified as areas of high socio-economic deprivation and ethnic diversity. Methods: Quantitative data was collected and analysed using appropriate statistics. Free text responses were coded and thematically analysed. Main outcome measures Experience of Maternity Care scores and free text themes. Results: Sixty-four percent of the sample identified as from an ethnic minority. Black women (42/68, 62%) were more likely (p=0.003) to attend their first antenatal visit at 12 or more weeks’ gestation compared to White (69/87, 79%) or Asian women (127/150, 85%). Black (p=0.004) and multiparous (p=0.012) women were more likely to report a positive postnatal experience. Most women were positive about the care they received overall, but responses to specific questions revealed concerns related to some aspects. Most (82%) respondents did not mind being looked after during labour and birth by midwives or doctors they had not met before. Themes from free text responses included continuity of care, respectful care, communication, early labour care and access to timely pain relief. Conclusions: Using a targeted approach ensured an ethnically diverse sample and despite overall positive experiences of maternity care, negative experiences reflect similar themes previously identified within UK maternity care.