Effectiveness of an Individual Counseling Program in Coping With the Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:To develop an individual counseling program to help women cope with their fear of childbirth and test the program for effectiveness.METHODS:A randomized controlled trial study was conducted over the period of August 2018 to April 2020. A total of 70 primiparas constituted the study sample. Women were randomized to (a) a control group and received standard care and (b) an intervention group and received standard care plus the individual counseling program.RESULTS:The individual counseling program significantly reduced the mean scores for fear of childbirth (intervention group: 30.81 ± 20.64; control group: 67.94 ± 27.37). The percentage of women in the intervention group preferring a normal delivery in the future (75.7%) was statistically higher compared to the control group (48.5%). The program did not affect cervical dilation, gestational week, duration of delivery, the baby’s birth weight, duration of stay at the hospital, and spontaneous labor.CONCLUSIONS:The results showed that the individual counseling program reduced primiparas’ fear of childbirth but did not have an impact on birth outcomes. Incorporating an individual counseling program into the routine prenatal care of pregnant women may diminish the level of their fear of childbirth and make childbirth a more positive experience.