Objective:

To visualise and analyse the factors that have contributed to the negative experience expressed by a woman after an elective caesarean section during her second pregnancy, following a previous caesarean section.

Methodology:

This is qualitative research, with a phenomenological perspective and thematic content analysis.

Main results:

Two main themes emerged from the analysis of the story: the first was the negative experience of the elective caesarean section, conditioned by a change in the woman’s initial expectations. The second theme analyzed is the phenomenon of “false sense of autonomy”, characterized by an absence of the informative and deliberative process with the professional.

Conclusion:

In order both to have adjusted expectations and to exercise the woman’s right to autonomy, the informative process and the dialogue with the patient in the professional practice are necessary for decision-making.