Abstract
The factor structure of the Perception of Birth Scale (POBS) was explored using a sample of 320 women who had vaginal or unplanned cesarean deliveries. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a 25-item instrument with five factor-based subscales: Labor Experience, Delivery Experience, Delivery Outcome, Partner Participation, and Awareness. The total POBS demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .85. The new 25-item version of POBS can be used to measure selected aspects of a woman's perception of the birth experience. Additional research with samples large enough to permit confirmatory factor analysis is recommended.