Abstract

Objective: To identify demographic factors associated with maternal preferences toward obstetric outcomes using utility metrics. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 719 women in their third trimester. Women reported age, insurance, birthplace, and education. Preferences for perinatal outcomes were assessed using time trade off metrics. Chi-square tests were performed to assess differences in preferences based on demographics.Results: Women > 35 were more likely than women < 35 to be willing to trade time at the end of life to avoid incontinence, NICU admission (NICU), and postpartum depression (PPD). Women with private insurance were more willing than women with Medi-Cal to trade time to avoid NICU and PPD. Foreign-born women were more willing than US-born women to trade time to avoid perineal/vaginal tears, forceps/vacuum delivery, induction of labor, and PPD. Women with at least some college education were more willing than women with less than a college education to trade time to avoid forceps/vacuum delivery, NICU, and PPD. Conclusions: Many women revealed measurable preferences towards perinatal outcomes, which differed by demographic factors. The majority of all women were willing to give up time to avoid NICU, and many women also wanted to avoid PPD. Women > 35, with private insurance, foreign-born, or with at least some college education were more willing to trade time at the end of life to avoid adverse outcomes than women < 35, with Medi-Cal, US-born, or with less education, respectively. Understanding women’s preferences regarding obstetric outcomes allows for improved counseling regarding labor management and mode of delivery.