A balancing act in an unknown territory: A metasynthesis of first-time mothers׳ experiences in early labour

the metasynthesis broadens the understanding of first-time mothers׳ experiences of early labour, and suggests that women׳s needs when planning a hospital birth are not being adequately met at this stage in the labour process. Three areas of future research are suggested: how to support and strengthen women during pregnancy in order to cope with early labour; women׳s experiences of early labour when planning a birth in contexts other than hospital; and to continue to investigate new ways of giving care during early labour.