From experiences to expectations: A quantitative study on the fear of childbirth among multigravida women

Exploring the Relationship Between Childbirth Expectations and Fear Among Primigravida Women in Saudi Arabia

Background Childbirth is a significant life event that is accompanied by fear, particularly among primigravida mothers. However, little is known about the expectations and fears of childbirth of primigravida women in Saudi Arabia. Aim This study aimed to explore expectations and fears of childbirth among primigravidas. Methods An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 369 primigravidas was conducted at antenatal outpatient clinics at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Results In the current study, most participants were aged 25-34 years 204 (55.3%), married 355 (96.2%), and had secondary or higher education 279 (75.6%). A majority of participants 265 (71.8%) reported financial difficulties and 244 unplanned pregnancies (66.1%), while most were pregnant beyond 30 weeks 254 (66.4%). The results showed that the mean total score on the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) fear of childbirth scale was 57.56, indicating moderate levels of fear on average among primigravida women, with the highest subscale score for the moment of birth. The mean total score on the Childbirth Expectations Questionnaire (CEQ) childbirth expectations scale was 108.15, also indicating moderate expectations on average, with other significant expectations having the highest subscale score. A significant negative correlation was found between the fear and expectations scales (r=-0.775, p<0.001). Sociodemographic factors such as older age, higher education, income, employment, and planned pregnancy were associated with higher expectations and lower fear, whereas younger age, lower education, income, employment, unplanned pregnancy, and medical issues were associated with higher fear. Conclusions The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the expectations and fears of childbirth of primigravida women in Saudi Arabia. The results could inform healthcare providers and policymakers about the predictors of fear and effective interventions to reduce fear and improve birth experience in primiparous women.

Investigation of the relationship between fear of birth and prenatal attachment in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the fear of birth and level of prenatal attachment experienced by the pregnant women.

METHODS

In our descriptive and relationship-seeking study conducted between January and March 2020 in Konya, 485 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Inclusion criteria for the study were women who were pregnant at the age of 18 years and above, having Turkish literacy, had spontaneous conception were over the 28th gestational week, having a healthy fetus, and not having any existing health problems (based on self-report). The data were collected with an information form, "Prenatal Attachment Inventory" and "Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience (Version A) Scale."

RESULTS

The mean score of the pregnant women from the "Prenatal Attachment Inventory" was 62.44 (21-84), and the mean score of the "Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale/Version A" was found to be 59.45 (0-165). It was concluded that 47.2% of the pregnant women had low, 38.7% had moderate, and 14.1% had high levels of fear of birth. It was determined that there was a negative and weakly significant relationship between "Prenatal Attachment Inventory" and "Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale/Version A" scores of pregnant women (r=-0.11 and p=0.23).

CONCLUSION

In our study, it was determined that as the fear of birth increased, prenatal attachment levels decreased. Initiating and maintaining a healthy mother-infant bond is important for reducing fear of birth.

Psychosocial predictors of the fear of childbirth in Turkish pregnant women

INTRODUCTION

Fear of childbirth (FOC) affects women's emotional health, preparation for birth, and outcomes of birth. Identifying the predictors of FOC can aid in identifying strategies for reducing women's FOC.

OBJECTIVE

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the psychosocial predictors of FOC in pregnant women.

METHODS

The participants were 624 nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women in their last trimester. Data were collected using a personal information form, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A, Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of FOC.

RESULTS

FOC was high among this study's participants and severe for one fifth of them. The psychosocial variables predicting FOC were self-efficacy and trait anxiety level, and spousal support was found to be a mediator variable in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that psychosocial variables are key to predicting FOC.