Women's experiences of antenatal transfer for threatened premature labour in NSW: A qualitative study.

Background: Each year thousands of pregnant women experiencing threatened premature labour are transferred considerable distances across Australia to access higher level facilities but only a small proportion of these women go on to actually give birth to a premature baby. Women from regional areas are required to move away from their home, children and support networks because of a perceived risk of birthing in a centre without neonatal intensive care facilities.

Aim: This study examines the experience of women undergoing antenatal transfer for threatened premature labour in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory who do not give birth during their transfer admission.