The Effect of Hospital-Based Childbirth Classes on Birth Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare birth outcomes in nulliparous women who attended a community-hospital–based childbirth class compared with those who did not attend any classes (N = 222). Previous research on childbirth education has been limited by inconsistent class content and inconclusive findings. Reducing primary cesarean rates and preterm births, elective inductions, and lengths of stay (LOS) can improve the well-being of women and newborns and reduce the cost of care.