The relationship between fear of childbirth and sense of coherence in women expecting their first child

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate fear of childbirth (FOC) and sense of coherence (SOC), and their components in women expecting their first child. MethodsA cross-sectional study where 414 women answered the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire Version A and the Sense of Coherence Scale. Statistical analyses were performed. ResultsThe main results show that women with severe FOC reported lower SOC, and all three components of SOC were lower in women with severe FOC. Comprehensibility turned out to have a significant correlation with FOC. Psychological problems before pregnancy were more common in women with severe FOC and low SOC. ConclusionsWomen with severe FOC reported lower SOC and lower levels of each of the following components: comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness.