Perceptions of primiparous women about the effect of childbirth preparation classes on their childbirth experience: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectiveto evaluate the perceptions of primiparous women about the effect of childbirth preparation classes on their childbirth experience. Designdescriptive qualitative study. Participants and setting13 Iranian women who participated in childbirth preparation classes and had a vaginal delivery were interviewed. Measurementssemi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Findingssix main themes were extracted from the data analysis: incentive and learning about pregnancy and childbirth; active participation in labour; sense of self-control; use of non- medical pain relief methods during labour; preferring vaginal birth to caesarean section; and positive childbirth experience. Key conclusionswomen reported that participation in childbirth preparation classes prepared them well for a vaginal birth, and these classes were perceived to be associated with a positive childbirth experience. Implications for practiceattendance at childbirth preparation classes is perceived to have a positive effect on vaginal birth. Therefore, encouraging and supporting women to attend the full course of classes has the potential to increase women's preference towards vaginal birth, resulting in a reduction in the caesarean section rate.