Birth Beliefs Research Articles

The effect of birth beliefs and fear on birth preferences in pregnant women

The effect of birth beliefs and fear on birth preferences in pregnant women

Investigation of the Relationship Between Dysmenorrhea, Birth Beliefs and Fear of Childbirth in Nursing Faculty Students

AIM: To determine the relationship between the dysmenorrhea status of nursing faculty students and their birth beliefs about their planned pregnancies and their fears of birth. METHOD: The universe of the research consisted of all female students studying in the faculty of nursing in the 2020-2021 academic year between March-April 2021. No sample selection was made in the study, and a total of 521 female students were reached during the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the students participating in the study was 21.12±1.69 and it was determined that 87.7% of them had dysmenorrhea and the mean VAS score was 6.58±1.94. When the total scores of the students from the scales are examined; The mean FEDS functional sub-dimension score was 24.31±8.21, the emotional sub-dimension mean score was 19.53±8.64, and the total scale mean score was 43.84±16.03. The mean score of the natural process sub-dimension of BBS was 19.20±5.45 and the mean score of the medical process sub-dimension was 20.94±4.82. On the other hand, the mean score of FPF-PFBS was calculated as 41.64±13.34. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes that students with dysmenorrhea in nursing faculty perceive birth as a medical process and their fear of birth before pregnancy is high.

Pre-University Students’ Attitudes and Beliefs about Childbirth: Implications for Reproductive Health and Maternity Care

Objectives: To determine pre-university students’ attitudes and beliefs about childbirth and identify key sources of information and knowledge.Methods: A survey of 359 Quebec pre-university students (215 female, 144 male) was undertaken to identify sources of beliefs about birth and opinions about types of maternity care providers and place/method of delivery. Results: Prime sources for birth beliefs were family (50.7% female, 39.9% male) and media (21.9% female, 33.6% male). The dominant preferred birth model was hospital vaginal delivery attended by an obstetrician. The students’ birth preferences reflected strong support for professional supervision/intervention and skepticism about the safety of home birth and out-of-hospital birth centres. Although 9.3% of female students and no males would choose elective cesarean section (CS) for themselves or partner, 71.2% of female students and 42.4% of male students agreed that CS is “just another way of having a baby.” Most female students believed “it is a woman’s right to choose CS for herself ” and had a higher preference/acceptance of CS, compared with male students. Students characterized birth as “painful” and “miraculous” and agreed on its relative safety. Female students were more fearful and more stressed about the prospect of birth, compared with male students. Over 75% of female students were aware of the benefits of breastfeeding and planned to breastfeed. Conclusions: Most students supported in-hospital maternity care and perceived CS as normal but did not express a preference for CS for themselves or their partners. Students were unaware of the risks/benefits of CS, epidurals, and out-of-hospital birth. These findings highlight the need for health care professionals to engage young adults and to provide them with evidence-based information about maternity care options.

Birth beliefs in the folklore of Iraq Turkmans

Birth beliefs in the folklore of Iraq Turkmans

Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Form of the Birth Beliefs Scale

Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Form of the Birth Beliefs Scale

Investigation of Nursing Students' Opinions on Birth Beliefs and Birth Preferences

Amaç: Doğum şeklinin belirlenmesinde, karar verme aşamasında ve doğum yaptırmada önemli yetkilere sahip olan ebe/hemşire ve hekimlerin doğum şekli ile ilgili görüşleri son derece önemlidir. Çalışmamız sağlık bilimleri fakültesinde okuyan hemşirelik öğrencilerinin doğum inançlarının doğum tercihine etkisini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. 
 Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipte yapılan araştırmanın örneklemini 252 hemşirelik öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Araştırma verileri, Kasım-Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında online ortamda oluşturulan anketin öğrencilere ulaştırılması ile toplanmıştır. Araştırma verileri için, tanıtıcı bilgi formu, doğum şekli tercihlerine ilişkin sorular ve doğum inançları ölçeği kullanılmıştır.
 Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %88.9’u anne ve fetüsün sağlık durumunun kadınların doğum tercihini etkilediğini belirtmiştir. Ayrıca, öğrencilerin doğal süreç inancı puanı açısından cinsiyet, sınıfı, Doğum, Kadın Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Hemşireliği dersini alma durumu ve kadın doğum alanında intörn olma düşüncelerine göre gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark olduğu (p

The Experience of Women Giving Birth after Cesarean Section-A Longitudinal Observational Study.

Natural childbirth after a previous cesarean section is a debated issue despite scientific research and international recommendations. This study aimed to examine the experiences of women giving birth after a previous cesarean section, their preferences, and changes in attitudes towards childbirth after labor. This longitudinal study involved 288 pregnant women who had a previous cesarean section and completed a web-based questionnaire before and after labor, including information about their obstetric history, birth beliefs, and preferred mode of delivery. Among women who preferred a vaginal birth, nearly 80% tried it and 49.78% finished delivery by this mode. Among women declaring a preference for an elective cesarean section, 30% attempted a vaginal birth. Choosing a hospital where staff supported their decision (regardless of the decision) was the most helpful factor in preparing for labor after a cesarean section (63.19%). Women's birth preferences changed after labor, with women who had a vaginal birth after a cesarean section preferring this mode of delivery in their next pregnancy (89.34%). The mode of birth did not always follow the women's preferences, with some women who preferred a natural childbirth undergoing an elective cesarean section for medical reasons. A variety of changes were noticeable among women giving birth after a cesarean section, with a large proportion preferring natural birth in their next pregnancy. Hospitals should support women's birth preferences after a cesarean section (if medically appropriate), providing comprehensive counseling, resources, and emotional support to ensure informed decisions and positive birth experiences.

Factors predicting birth satisfaction in Hungary

Birth satisfaction is influenced by demographic, obstetric and cognitive factors. There is a paucity of research on birth satisfaction in Hungary, despite the country displaying high rates of medical interventions during childbirth. A cross-sectional study was conducted online with 78 Hungarian women. Participants completed the Birth Satisfaction and the Birth Beliefs scales alongside a demographic and obstetric questionnaire. Birth satisfaction was associated with parity, place of birth, pain management methods, delivery mode and adherence to birth plan, as well as beliefs in birth as a medical process, but not with self-efficacy or birth beliefs as a natural process. However, when considered together, none of the variables predicted birth satisfaction, implying that other factors may be at play. Given the limited research on birth satisfaction in Hungary, these results constitute important foundations for further research.

Women's Birth Beliefs During Pregnancy and Postpartum in the Netherlands: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study.

Women and care providers increasingly regard childbirth as a medical process, resulting in high use of medical interventions, which could negatively affect a woman's childbirth experience. Women's birth beliefs may be key to understanding the decisions they make and the acceptance of medical interventions in childbirth. In this study we explore women's beliefs about birth as a natural and medical process and the factors that are associated with women's birth beliefs. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of women living in the Netherlands asking them about their experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, including their beliefs about birth as a natural and medical process. A total of 3494 women were included in this study. Mean scores of natural birth beliefs ranged between 3.73 and 4.01 points, and medical birth belief scores ranged between 2.92 and 3.12 points. There were significant but very small changes between prenatal and postnatal birth beliefs. Regression analyses showed that (previous) childbirth experiences were the most consistent predictor of women's birth beliefs. Women's high scores on natural birth beliefs and lower scores on medical birth beliefs correspond with the philosophy of Dutch perinatal care that considers pregnancy and childbirth to be natural processes. Perinatal care providers must be aware of women's birth beliefs and recognize that they as professionals influence women's birth beliefs. They make an important contribution to women's perinatal experiences, which affects both women's natural and medical birth beliefs.

Gebelerin Doğum İnançları ile Travmatik Doğum Algı Düzeyleri, Doğum Sonuçları ve Doğum Sonu Depresyon Görülme Durumları Arasındaki İlişki

Introduction: From the beginning of pregnancy, pregnant women think about their birth and the birth is shaped according to the birth belief of the person. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the birth beliefs of pregnant women and birth outcomes, traumatic birth perception levels and postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a province in eastern Türkiye. The data was collected using the Personal Information Form, Birth Beliefs Scale, Traumatic Birth Perception Scale, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Results: While there was no significant difference between the medical birth beliefs of women according to their descriptive characteristics (p>0.5), those who were at 28-36 weeks of gestation, who did not have a curettage, and those who went to pregnancy control ≥4 times, considered the birth more natural (p<0.05). While there was a positive and significant relationship between Natural Process Belief and Postpartum Depression (r=0.116, p=0.009), the regression model (stepwise) was also found to be significant (F=6.944, p=0.009). Conclusion: The study determined a positive and significant relationship between natural birth belief and postpartum depression, and the regression model established between these two was significant.

The Relationship Between Women's Birth Beliefs and Their Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Pregnancy Avoidance

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between women's birth beliefs and their depression, anxiety, stress, and pregnancy avoidance.Methods: This web-based study was conducted in Turkey between September 2021 and October 2021. The study was completed with 619 participants. Personal Information Form, Birth Beliefs Scale (BBS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Short Form (DASS), and Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) were used to collect the data.Results: The mean scores of women in the Natural and Medical Process Birth Belief (NPBS/MPBS) were determined as NPBS 4.31±0.68, MPBS 3.65±0.69 respectively. It was determined that there was a weak positive relationship between MPBS and DASS-Depression/Anxiety/Stress, and that this relationship was statistically significant (r=0.107, r=0.081, r=0.100, respectively; p<0.05). That the mean MPBS scores of the women who had a low level of education and a high income and were unemployed, and the women using modern family planning methods were statistically higher (p<0.05).Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that there was a positive relationship between depression, anxiety and stress levels of women who considered birth as a medical process, and that women's medical beliefs about birth affected their education and income levels, employment status and the use of modern family planning.

Normal birth belief levels of pregnants and affecting factors

This study was carried out to determine the normal birth belief levels of pregnant women and the affecting factors. This descriptive study was conducted between November and December 2021 in a pregnant education class of a public university. The sample of the study consisted of 342 pregnant women. Data were obtained through the "Personal Information Form" and "The Belief Scale for Normal Delivery (BSND)". Pregnant women with a mean age of 28.18±4.77 were determined that 75.5% of them were high school and university graduates, 77.8% were not working, 71.1% perceived their economic status as moderate, and 80.7% had a nuclear family structure. In the study, the mean total score of BSND was 77.74±14.91, and it was determined that 12.6% of the pregnant women had low, 62.3% moderate, and 25.1% high-level normal birth beliefs. In this study, it was determined that the level of belief in normal birth during pregnancy was affected by family structure, spouse's employment status, planned pregnancy, choice of birth method, the person who is influential in deciding the mode of birth and receiving training on preparation for birth (p<0.05). It was determined that the belief of pregnant women in normal birth was at a moderate level and it was affected by some individual and obstetric characteristics. It can be suggested that health professionals should determine the factors that affect the normal birth belief levels of pregnant women and also include women in the decision-making process during pregnancy and childbirth.

Factors associated with women's birth beliefs and experiences of decision-making in the context of planned birth: A survey study

ObjectiveIn many high-income countries, approximately half of all births are now planned regarding timing, either by elective Caesarean Section (CS) or induction of labour (IOL). To what degree this is explained by women's birth beliefs and preferences, and in turn, factors such as parity and ethnicity that may influence them, is contentious. Within a broader study on Timing of Birth by planned CS or IOL, we aimed to explore the association between demographic and pregnancy factors, with women's birth beliefs and experiences of planned birth decision-making in late pregnancy. DesignSurvey study of women's birth beliefs and experiences of planned birth decision-making. Both univariate analysis and ordinal regression modelling was performed to examine the influence of; parity; cultural background; continuity of pregnancy care; CS or IOL; and whether CS was “recommended” or “requested”, on women's stated birth beliefs and decision-making experience. Setting8 Sydney hospitals ParticipantsWomen planned to have an IOL or CS between November 2018-July 2019. MeasurementThe survey included four statements regarding birth beliefs and ten statements about experiences of decision-making on a 5-item Likert scale, as well as questions about demographic and pregnancy factors that might influence these beliefs. FindingsOf 340 included surveys, 56% regarded IOL and 44% CS. Women indicated strong belief both that they should be supported to make decisions about their birth and that their doctor/midwife knows what is best for them (over 90% agreement for both). Regarding decision-making, over 90% also agreed they had trust in the person providing information, understood it, and had sufficient time for both questions and decision-making. However only 58% were provided written information, 19% felt they “didn't really have a choice”, and 9% felt pressure to make a decision. On both univariate and multivariate analysis, women having CS (versus IOL) expressed more positive views of their experience and involvement in decision-making, as did women experiencing a pregnancy continuity-of-care model. Women identifying as from a specific cultural or ethnic background expressed more negative experiences. On modelling, the studied factors accounted for only a small proportion of the variation in responses (3–19%). ConclusionsContinuity of pregnancy care was associated with positive decision-making experiences and cultural background with more negative experiences. Women whose planned birth was IOL versus CS also reported more negative decision-making experiences. Implications for practiceAttention to improving quality of information provision, including written information, to women having IOL and women of diverse background, is recommended to improve women's experiences of planned birth decision-making.

Self-compassion predicts less fear of childbirth in childless women: the mediating role of birth beliefs

Objective Women can have fear of childbirth (FOC) in advance of their first pregnancy and such fear can have implications for reproductive and eventual childbirth choices. This study aims to further our understanding of the role of self-compassion in FOC in young childless women, including possible pathways through which self-compassion might relate to less FOC: through natural and medical birth beliefs. Design and Main Outcome Measures In this correlational study, 316 young childless Australian women completed measures of self-compassion, natural and medical birth beliefs, and FOC. Results Self-compassion predicted less FOC, and although self-compassion as a total score did not relate to natural birth beliefs, it did relate to lower scores on medical birth beliefs. The indirect effect through medical birth beliefs was supported; greater self-compassion predicted lower scores on medical birth beliefs, which in turn predicted less FOC. Conclusions The findings, although cross-sectional, support the study of self-compassion in FOC, which is in part because self-compassion predicts less medical birth beliefs. With further research, self-compassion training might be incorporated into public health initiatives targeting FOC in young childless women.

Is there a relationship between basic birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety in Turkey.

It is important to investigate the relationship between the beliefs about birth as a natural or medical process and the pregnancy-related anxiety that has a powerful impact on the negative outcomes of labor. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between basic birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety in Turkey. This descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in a University hospital located in eastern Turkey. The study sample included 473 primiparae having completed 14 weeks of pregnancy. The Birth Belief Scale and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire/PRAQ-R2 were used to collect the data. A relationship was found between birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety. Strong beliefs about birth as a medical process or weak beliefs about birth as a natural process were found to be related with fear of giving birth and worries about bearing a handicapped child. A relationship was detected between beliefs of pregnant women about birth as a medical and natural process and fear of giving birth, worries about bearing a handicapped child., concern about own appearance. It is highly important to detect the birth beliefs in order to help women have a healthy pregnancy period and to decrease their anxiety levels. Pregnancy-related anxieties of women must be detected, and their birth beliefs that result in anxiety must not be overlooked during the provision of prenatal healthcare services.

Women's birth beliefs and associated factors in an obstetrics clinic in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey

PurposeThe impact of birth beliefs on pregnancy and delivery are universally recognized, but the factors that affect birth beliefs vary across regions depending on individual and cultural characteristics. This study aimed to determine women's birth beliefs and examine their associated factors.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 548 primiparas in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital located in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey from February to June 2019. Descriptive characteristics, form and the Birth Beliefs Scale were used in data collection. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, T-tests and ANOVA analyses were used.FindingsIt was determined that factors such as age group, income level, any problems during pregnancy and preferred delivery mode statistically affected women's birth beliefs.Originality/valueBased on the findings from this study, healthcare personnel should provide training and consultation services to pregnant women starting from the prenatal period to help ensure a positive labor experience.

Changes in the basic birth beliefs following the first birth experience: Self-fulfilling prophecies?

Women's basic beliefs about birth as a natural and as a medical process are associated with childbirth choices and experience. These beliefs have only recently been quantified and not much is known about their development. In the current study, we assessed the differential effects of the objective and the subjective birth experience on changes in these beliefs. Using self-report questionnaires, we evaluated prenatal to postpartum changes among 342 Israeli first-time mothers. Participants were recruited during pregnancy, between February 2016 and January 2017, mostly in clinical settings, and followed-up two months postpartum. On average, women's beliefs about birth being natural weakened following childbirth and their belief about birth being medical strengthened. In regression models, it was either the objective or the subjective experience that was related to change in the basic birth beliefs: A more medicalized birth was associated with strengthening of the medical belief while greater birth satisfaction was related to strengthening of the natural belief. A mediation effect was observed, which indicated that the beliefs are strengthened when the lived experience fulfilled women's expectation about birth being satisfying, natural or medical. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding the development and evolution of the birth beliefs. It highlights the need to view the beliefs separately and to distinctively assess the objective and subjective birth experience. It supports the need to empower mothers, especially those who had more medicalized births or unsatisfactory ones, which would help conserve their belief in their body and in the normal physiological course of birth.

Intrapartum Nurse Perception of Labor Support After Implementation of the Coping With Labor Algorithm.

The purpose of this research project was to determine if using the Coping with Labor Algorithm would lead to changes in the perception of the intrapartum (IP) nurses' beliefs toward birth practices and frequency of labor support interventions. Twenty-three participants completed the preintervention survey, which included the IP Nurses' Belief Toward Birth Practice Scale and the Labor Support Scale. Following completion of the preintervention survey, participants received a copy of the Coping with Labor Algorithm and Toolkit and then began implementation of the Coping with Labor Algorithm. After implementation, 13 IP nurses completed the postintervention survey. The surveyed IP nurses reported positive changes in their perceived frequency of labor support and a slight change in their birth beliefs.

A quantitative investigation into women's basic beliefs about birth and planned birth choices

ObjectivePerceptions about the nature of the birth process are important in determining women's birth choices regarding labour and delivery but are scarcely the subject of empirical research. The aim of the current study was to assess women's beliefs about birth as a natural and safe or medical and risky process and study the associations of these beliefs with fear of childbirth and planned birth choices. DesignAn observational study using self-administered questionnaires during pregnancy. Setting1. Community women's health centres in a metropolitan area in Israel; 2. Purposeful sampling of women who plan to birth naturally, through home midwives and targeted internet forums. Participants746 women with a singleton pregnancy in their second and third trimester. MeasurementsBeliefs about birth as a natural and a medical process, fear of childbirth, and a range of natural birth choices. FindingsThe birth beliefs were associated with women's birth intentions. The more women believed birth to be natural and the less they believed it to be medical, the more likely they were to make more natural birth-related choices. In the presence of the birth beliefs, fear of childbirth no longer had an independent association with birth choices. The beliefs interacted with each other, revealing a stronger association of viewing birth as natural with planning more natural choices among women who did not view birth as very medical. Key conclusionIt is important to recognize women's beliefs about birth and how they may affect their fear of childbirth and birth intentions. Further studies on the origin of such beliefs and their development are needed. Implications for practiceWomen should be allowed to choose how they would like to birth in accordance with their beliefs. At the same time, strengthening women's belief in the natural birth process and their body's ability to perform it, could help lower fear of childbirth and medical intervention rates.

First-time mothers’ birth beliefs, preferences, and actual birth: A longitudinal observational study

ProblemBirth preferences, such as mode and place of birth and other birth options, have important individual and societal implications, yet few studies have investigated the mechanism which predicts a wide range of childbirth options simultaneously. BackgroundBasic beliefs about birth as a natural and as a medical process are both predictive factors for childbirth preferences. Studies investigating birth beliefs, preferences, and actual birth are rare. AimTo test a predictive model of how these beliefs translate into birth preferences and into actual birth related-options. MethodsLongitudinal observational study including 342 first-time expectant mothers recruited at women’s health centres and natural birth communities in Israel. All women filled out questionnaires including basic birth beliefs and preferred birth options. Two months postpartum, they filled out a questionnaire including detailed questions regarding actual birth. FindingsStronger beliefs about birth being natural were related to preferring a more natural place and mode of birth and preferring more natural birth-related options. Stronger beliefs about birth being medical were associated with opposite options. The preferences mediated the association between the birth beliefs and actual birth. The beliefs predicted the preferences better than they predicted actual birth. DiscussionBirth beliefs are pivotal in the decision-making process regarding preferred and actual birth options. In a medicalized obstetric system, where natural birth is something women need to actively seek out and insist on, the predictive powers of beliefs and of preferences decrease. ConclusionWomen’s beliefs should be recognized and birth preferences respected.