Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik1, Paweł Bartnik2, Aleksandra Symonides3, Natalia Sroka-Ostrowska1, Agnieszka Dobrowolska-Redo1, Ewa Romejko-Wolniewicz1. 1. 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Karowa 2 Str, 00-315, Warsaw, Poland. 2. 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Karowa 2 Str, 00-315, Warsaw, Poland. Electronic address: bartnik.pawel@gmail.com. 3. Students' Scientific Group Associated to 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Karowa 2 Str, 00-315, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Antenatal classes are a common method of preparation for birth with proven efficiency in improving perinatal outcomes. Yet, their impact on fear perception during labour has not been identified. The aim of the study was to analyse whether preparation for labour by means of antenatal classes attendance could be associated with decrease in level of experienced fear and pain during birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study of 147 women who had given vaginal births. Data was collected from mothers between 24 and 72 h postpartum. Patients answered self-reported questionnaires concerning subjective perception of birth including Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for fear and pain assessment. The study group was divided into subgroups depending on parity and antenatal classes attendance. RESULTS: Patients in the primiparas subgroup who attended antenatal classes scored lower in the DFS (48.7 ± 23.5 vs. 60.2 ± 16.5, p < .03). There was no difference in the DFS score in the multiparas subgroup (p < .90). No significant differences in the NRS score depending on antenatal classes attendance in any subgroup were observed. CONCLUSION: Participation in antenatal classes should be advised to every pregnant primiparous woman as this type of non-invasive preparation lowers level of fear experienced during childbirth.
OBJECTIVES: Antenatal classes are a common method of preparation for birth with proven efficiency in improving perinatal outcomes. Yet, their impact on fear perception during labour has not been identified. The aim of the study was to analyse whether preparation for labour by means of antenatal classes attendance could be associated with decrease in level of experienced fear and pain during birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study of 147 women who had given vaginal births. Data was collected from mothers between 24 and 72 h postpartum. Patients answered self-reported questionnaires concerning subjective perception of birth including Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for fear and pain assessment. The study group was divided into subgroups depending on parity and antenatal classes attendance. RESULTS:Patients in the primiparas subgroup who attended antenatal classes scored lower in the DFS (48.7 ± 23.5 vs. 60.2 ± 16.5, p < .03). There was no difference in the DFS score in the multiparas subgroup (p < .90). No significant differences in the NRS score depending on antenatal classes attendance in any subgroup were observed. CONCLUSION: Participation in antenatal classes should be advised to every pregnant primiparous woman as this type of non-invasive preparation lowers level of fear experienced during childbirth.
Authors: Pierluigi Diotaiuti; Giuseppe Valente; Stefania Mancone; Lavinia Falese; Stefano Corrado; Thais Cristina Siqueira; Alexandro Andrade Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-28 Impact factor: 4.614