Table 3 Factors influencing mothers’ sense of security

Internal factors

Emotional state, knowledge and experiences

 ─ Sense of control [78,79,80,81]

 ─ Autonomy [81]

 ─ Comfort [81]

 ─ Feeling of not being alone [79]

 ─ Confidence in ability to give birth [78, 81, 83]

 ─ Confidence in one’s surroundings [81]

 ─ Positive attitudes to pregnancy and childbirth [79, 80]

 ─ Knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and baby care [79, 80]

 ─ Positive stories about pregnancy, childbirth and baby care [79, 80]

 ─ Previous childbirth experiences [79, 80, 82, 84]

Physical health of mother and child

 ─ Foetal movements and growth [76, 79, 80]

 ─ Physical well-being of mother and child [79,80,81,82,83,84]

 ─ Pregnancy-related complications [79, 80]

 ─ Active self-care and care of unborn child [76]

External factors

Attributes and acts of supporting persons

 ─ Presence of a caring midwife [77,78,79]

 ─ Support of a caring midwife when needed [77, 78]

 ─ Trustful relationship with a caring midwife [77,78,79]

 ─ Support/regular feedback from healthcare professionals [76, 79, 80]

 ─ Being seen as an individual [82]

 ─ Consistent advice/information [77, 78, 82]

 ─ Partner’s and own participation in care [82, 84]

 ─ Presence and support of the partner [77,78,79,80, 82, 83]

 ─ Support from relatives [80]

Settings and options of maternity care

 ─ Prenatal visits and ultrasound [76]

 ─ Medical expertise/maternity healthcare [76, 79]

 ─ Positive atmosphere in the birthing suite [78]

 ─ Avoiding interventions [81]

 ─ Planned follow-up after birth [82]

Personal life situation

 ─ Livelihood [79, 80]