Childbirth choices and experiences in Belgium
Birth Experiences of Women Giving Birth in French-speaking Belgium and Pathways to Choosing a Place of Birth
Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT07263971
This project asks women who gave birth in Belgium within the past year about why they chose their place of birth and what their childbirth experience was like.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Université Catholique de Louvain (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussels, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) |
| Trial ID | NCT07263971 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will conduct in-depth qualitative interviews with women who gave birth in Belgium between one month and one year postpartum to explore motivations for birthplace choice, including situations described as 'non-choice.' The study also interviews perinatal professionals and birth companions (for example doulas) about their workplace choices and practices across settings such as home, birth centres, and hospital wards. Participants are recruited through Université Catholique de Louvain and interviews are conducted in person at the Brussels (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) site or remotely as arranged. The aim is to generate detailed, context-specific accounts that can inform maternity care practice and policy in Belgium.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women of legal age who gave birth in Belgium within the past year and volunteer to be interviewed are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People who gave birth outside Belgium, minors, or women more than one year postpartum are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could help improve how maternity services support women's choices and shape local policies to better match women's needs.
How similar studies have performed: Qualitative research on birth choices and experiences has been done in other settings and has helped inform local maternity practice, so this work applies established methods specifically to Belgium.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * have given birth in Belgium * have given birth less than a year ago * be of legal age * volunteer Exclusion Criteria: * not having given birth once in Belgium * being a minor
Where this trial is running
Brussels, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
- UCLouvain — Brussels, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium (RECRUITING)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Pregnancy Related, Birthplace Choice, Birth Experience