Systematic Birth Preparation Programs Positively Influence the Childbirth Fear: A cross-sectional study

Authors : Şebnem ALANYA TOSUN, Eda ŞAHİN, Enis ÖZKAYA, Muhammet BULUT, İsmail Buğra BİLEN, Mehmet SİPAHİ

Pages : 254-261

Doi:10.19127/mbsjohs.935018

View : 22 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2021-08-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The primary target of birth preparation program is guiding women to realistic expectations for the birth experience. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of a systematic multidisciplinary birth preparation program on delivery expectation, childbirth fear, mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes. Methods: 159 nulliparous pregnant women in their 3rd trimester were enrolled in this cross-sectional cohort study between January 2018 and March 2020. Women who participated to the systematic birth preparation program were grouped as Group A insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n = 80); and those who refused to participate were considered Group B insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n = 79);. Fear of childbirth was scanned by Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire Version-A; socio-demographic and obstetric features were assessed through a self-developed survey by face-to-face interview. The mode of delivery, labor induction needs, cesarean indications, birth weights, APGAR scores, newborns hospitalization requirements if any were noted. Results: The Wijma-A mean score was 44.60 ± 19.63 in those who attended the systematic birth preparation program and 72.05 ± 24.82 in those who did not insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. Childbirth fear was significantly lower in attended group when pregnant women were evaluated according to the four different level childbirth fear categories insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. The birth weights were significantly higher in attended group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.017);. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mode of delivery, APGAR scores, neonatal hospitalization and labor induction requirements insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p>0.05);. Conclusion: The present study shows that systematic and multidisciplinary birth preparation program may positively influence the childbirth fear and increase the birth weights of neonates.
Keywords : systematic birth preparation program, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, childbirth fear, Wijma A delivery expectancy questionnaire