The Development and Psychometric Analysis of the Women's Experience in Childbirth Survey

Background and Purpose: A woman's perception of the childbirth experience has not been adequately measured. The purpose of the Women's Experience in Childbirth Survey (WECS) is to provide a comprehensive measure of the experience for women having a vaginal birth. Methods: A cross-sectional design with 302 postpartum women analyzed the psychometric properties of the WECS. Validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and correlation to a self-rating of the overall experience. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified four subscales consistent with the organizing framework. WECS scores and self-rated experience were significantly correlated r = .51, p < .01. Internal consistency alpha = .86 and temporal stability (r = .88, p < .001) are adequate. Conclusion: Initial analysis indicates sufficient reliability and validity for further development and testing.