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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Rural Swedish women’s perspectives on midwifery continuity of care and geographic access to labour wards – A qualitative study
1
Umeå University, Department of Nursing, Umeå, Sweden
2
Umeå University, Department of Clinical Sciences- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå, Sweden
3
Mid Sweden University, Department of Health Science, Sundsvall, Sweden
4
Uppsala University, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala, Sweden
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A284
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Limited access to labour wards remains a pressing issue for women in rural Sweden, due to the ongoing closure of these units. This raises concerns about the availability, safety, and equity of maternal healthcare. While midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) is linked to positive outcomes, it is rarely implemented in rural areas. Most research focuses on the experiences of urban women, highlighting the need for studies that reflect rural perspectives.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to investigate Swedish women's preferences for MCoC and to explore their perceptions and lived experiences of geographic distance from labour wards.
METHODS:
This qualitative study used inductive qualitative content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women from various regions in Sweden, all of whom lived at least 60 minutes from the labour ward.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings illuminate how women in rural Sweden navigate structural limitations within the maternity care system and express a clear demand for more woman-centred care alternatives. While MCoC was appreciated for enhancing trust, autonomy, and individualised support, participants also reported substantial service gaps. Geographic distance influenced both access to and expectations of care, leading some women to pursue alternative support. These actions reflected both a critique of standard care and a commitment to maintaining control over their childbirth experiences.
CONCLUSIONS:
The preliminary findings underscore the necessity for more adaptable and responsive maternity care models tailored to the specific needs of rural women, which are currently not being sufficiently met. Enhancing access to MCoC and supporting women’s autonomy are key to ensuring equitable, woman-centred care, regardless of geographic location.
KEY MESSAGE:
Women in rural areas of Sweden often experience unmet maternity care needs. Offering a MCoC model may be a safe, individualised alternative, especially beneficial for those residing far from a labour ward. Pregnancy - access
Limited access to labour wards remains a pressing issue for women in rural Sweden, due to the ongoing closure of these units. This raises concerns about the availability, safety, and equity of maternal healthcare. While midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) is linked to positive outcomes, it is rarely implemented in rural areas. Most research focuses on the experiences of urban women, highlighting the need for studies that reflect rural perspectives.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to investigate Swedish women's preferences for MCoC and to explore their perceptions and lived experiences of geographic distance from labour wards.
METHODS:
This qualitative study used inductive qualitative content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women from various regions in Sweden, all of whom lived at least 60 minutes from the labour ward.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings illuminate how women in rural Sweden navigate structural limitations within the maternity care system and express a clear demand for more woman-centred care alternatives. While MCoC was appreciated for enhancing trust, autonomy, and individualised support, participants also reported substantial service gaps. Geographic distance influenced both access to and expectations of care, leading some women to pursue alternative support. These actions reflected both a critique of standard care and a commitment to maintaining control over their childbirth experiences.
CONCLUSIONS:
The preliminary findings underscore the necessity for more adaptable and responsive maternity care models tailored to the specific needs of rural women, which are currently not being sufficiently met. Enhancing access to MCoC and supporting women’s autonomy are key to ensuring equitable, woman-centred care, regardless of geographic location.
KEY MESSAGE:
Women in rural areas of Sweden often experience unmet maternity care needs. Offering a MCoC model may be a safe, individualised alternative, especially beneficial for those residing far from a labour ward. Pregnancy - access
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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