Table 2.

Themes, subthemes and studies contributing.

Main themes	Subthemes	Studies
Maintaining self-confidence during early labour		3 20–22 31 34
	Experiencing the start of labour	3 20–22 31 34
	Sharing the beginning of labour	3 20–22 31 34
	Keeping life normal	3 21 22 31 32 34
Withdrawing within as labour intensifies		3 20–22 31 32 34
	Accepting the intensity of labour	3 20–22 31 32 34
	Going to an inner world	3 20–22 31 33
	Coming back to push	3 20–22 32 34
Uniqueness of the birth experience		3 20–22 31 32 34
	Reaching the glorious zenith	3 20–22 31 32 34
	Meeting the baby	20–22 31 32 34
	Empowered self	3 20–22 31 32 34
The empowering journey of giving birth		3 20–22 31 32 34