From passive passenger to participating co-pilot – Pregnant women's expectations of being able to access their online journal from antenatal care

Objective The aim of the study was to describe pregnant women's expectations of being able to access their electronic health records from antenatal care. Methods Nine pregnant women passing 25 full gestational weeks were interviewed individually. Collected data were analysed with an inductive approach using content analysis. The study was performed in antenatal care units in southern Sweden. Results The following five categories emerged from the analysis: Being able to achieve increased participation, being able to have more control, being more knowledgeable about the pregnancy, identification of possible risks, and perceptions of one's own well-being can predict usage. The five categories led to one main category: ‘Shift in power – from passive passenger to participating co-pilot’. Conclusion The pregnant women expected that having access to electronic health records would give them more control, make them more knowledgeable and increase their participation. Access to electronic health records may empower pregnant women and contribute to a more person-centred approach. This could provide greater knowledge for the woman and her partner about her health, thus, allowing them to make evidence-based choices in relation to the newborn baby and the woman's health.