Pregnancy Experience Scale Research Articles

Can Pregnancy Experience Predict Birth Experience, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety? A Prospective Descriptive Study.

A positive pregnancy experience can be a good start for healthy motherhood. This study aimed to investigate Iranian women's pregnancy experience and how self-reported hassles and uplifts influence birth experience, postpartum depression and anxiety, and the association between childbirth experience and postpartum mental health. A prospective descriptive study. A prospective descriptive study was conducted among 228 pregnant women from health centres in Tabriz, Iran. From the 28th to 36th weeks of pregnancy, participants completed the Pregnancy Experience Scale. Then, the mothers were followed up until 4-6 weeks postpartum, and Childbirth Experience Questionnaires version 2.0, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression and the short form of Specific Postpartum Anxiety Scales were completed. The data were analysed using the general linear model. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, there was no statistically significant association between women's pregnancy and childbirth experiences. However, the mean scores of postpartum depression and anxiety were significantly higher in women who felt unhappy about the discomforts that they experienced during pregnancy (β [95% CI] = 0.01 [0.01-0.02]; p < 0.001, 0.22 [0.09-0.35]; p = 0.001, respectively). There was a significant statistical reverse association between childbirth experience and postpartum anxiety and depression. The study demonstrated a significant association between women's pregnancy, birth experiences and postpartum psychological outcomes. Implementing interventions that create a positive pregnancy experience will likely have an impact on reducing the prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety. Pregnant women participated solely in the data collection by responding to the questionnaires. No participant contributions were required for the study's design, outcome measurement or implementation.

Evaluation of childbirth readiness and its associated factors and consequences in pregnant women referring to health centers in Tabriz, Iran and providing strategies to promote childbirth readiness: a sequential explanatory mixed method study protocol.

Childbirth readiness encompasses interventions conducted during pregnancy that encourage pregnant women, their families and communities to plan for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. It enhances women's childbirth experience and diminishes maternal mortality rates. This study seeks to assess the level of childbirth readiness, relevant factors and outcomes among pregnant women who have completed 37 or more weeks of gestational age and are attending health centres in Tabriz, Iran. The objective is to offer strategies for enhancing childbirth readiness. This sequential explanatory mixed-method study comprises three phases. The initial quantitative phase involves a descriptive-analytical longitudinal study focusing on pregnant women at 37 weeks of gestation or beyond. The quantitative data will be gathered by the sociodemographic and obstetric information questionnaire, the childbirth readiness scale, the pregnancy experience scale, the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (version A) (W-DEQ-Version A), the childbirth experience questionnaire-2, the childbirth outcome checklist, the Edinburgh's postnatal depression scale (EPDS), the postpartum specific anxiety scale research short-form, the next pregnancy desire questionnaire and the exclusive breastfeeding checklist. In the subsequent qualitative phase, purposive sampling will be employed, and data will be collected through individual, in-depth and semi-structured interviews featuring open-ended questions. Data analysis will be conducted using conventional content analysis techniques. In the final mixed-method phase, strategies to enhance childbirth readiness will be formulated by integrating findings from the quantitative and qualitative studies, a comprehensive literature review, and employing the Delphi method. This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Tabriz, Iran (code number: IR.TBZMED.REC.1401.557). All participants will provide written informed consent before taking part in the study. The outcomes will be shared through articles published in journals, presentations at medical conferences, the validation of a reliable scale for assessing the level of childbirth readiness in pregnant women and the development of a policy brief outlining supportive strategies to improve childbirth readiness. These resources will be valuable for healthcare providers.

The prevalence of unintended pregnancy and its influence on pregnancy experience in Tabriz, Iran, 2023: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is a lack of quantitative studies that specifically measure the association between the experience of pregnancy and unintended pregnancy. The present study aims to address the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and identify its predictors. Additionally, the study explores whether unintended pregnancy is associated with pregnancy uplifts and hassles.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 488 pregnant women between 20 to 40 weeks' gestation at the comprehensive health center in Tabriz City from February 2022 to January 2023. A cluster sampling method was used for sampling, and data were collected using socio-demographic questionnaires and the Pregnancy Experience Scale (PES). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and the prevalence of unintended pregnancy. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors of pregnancy desirability. To examine the relationship between unintended pregnancy and pregnancy experience, an independent t-test was used for bivariate analysis, and a general linear model (GLM) was utilized for multivariate analysis, with control for potential confounding variables.ResultsThe prevalence of unintended pregnancies was 30.7% (24.3% unwanted pregnancies, and 6.4% mistimed pregnancies). The results of the binary logistic regression indicated that the lower age of both the woman and her spouse were significant predictors for unintended pregnancy (P < 0.05). Based on an independent t-test, the mean score for uplifts in women with unintended pregnancy was significantly lower than in women with intended pregnancy (mean difference (MD): -4.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.96 to -4.02; p < 0.001), While the mean score of hassles in women with unintended pregnancy was significantly higher than women with intended pregnancy (MD: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.03 to 3.80; p < 0.001). The results of GLM showed that women who had unintended pregnancies had significantly lower scores for uplifts (B = -4.99; 95% CI: -5.96 to -4.03; P < 0.001) and higher scores for hassles (B = 2.92; 95% CI: 2.06 to 3.78; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of unintended pregnancies in Tabriz highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address this issue, considering the policy framework and unique challenges faced by women. Future studies should focus on developing context-specific interventions that effectively meet the needs of women with unintended pregnancies.

Relationship of domestic violence with pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy experience in Iranian pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveViolence has had adverse effects on the physical and psychological dimensions of pregnant women. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship of domestic violence with pregnancy...

Pregnancy-related psychological reactions among pregnant women followed-up at the Mermoz improved health post

Introduction: The bodily and psychological changes of pregnancy can be a source of well-being, but also of vulnerability and psychological suffering. The aim of this study was to investigate pregnancy-related psychological reactions in Senegalese pregnant women. Methodology: This was a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study of pregnant women attended at the Mermoz Health Post in Dakar, Senegal from October 04, 2022, to December 26, 2022. We studied psychological reactions using the Brief Pregnancy Experience Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, the Marital Support Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: The emotional experience of pregnancy was intense for both positive and negative pregnancy-related elements. Nonetheless, elements perceived as positive were more frequent and more intense. The prevalence of stress symptoms was 25%, depressive symptoms 53%, and anxiety symptoms 75%. The negative psychological impact was closely linked to risk factors such as young age, singlehood, low pregnancy experience (gestational age and parity), and low marital support. Also, low self-esteem in 53.1% of our population was correlated with low marital support. Conclusion: Most pregnant women report a positive pregnancy experience, but this positive feeling does not exclude high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The relationship between pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment and mother-child bonding: a descriptive-analytical study

BackgroundPregnancy and childbirth experience can be important factors for a pleasant relationship between mother and baby. This study assessed the relationship between the pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and mother-child bonding.MethodsA descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 228 pregnant women in Tabriz, Iran February 2022 to March 2023. Using cluster random sampling method, we included 228 women with gestational age 28–36 weeks and followed them up until six weeks postpartum. Data were collected in two stages using the following questionnaires: Pregnancy Experience Scale (hassles and uplifts), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Questionnaire (during the third trimester of pregnancy), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, and Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (six weeks postpartum). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and general linear model.ResultsThe mean score of MFA was significantly higher among women with feelings of being uplifted during pregnancy [β (95% CI) = 1.14 (0.87 to 1.41); p < 0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between pregnancy hassles and MFA and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between childbirth experience and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, pregnancy uplifts have a positive role in improving MFA. Therefore, it is recommended to plan interventions to make pregnancy period a pleasant experience for mothers.

Psychometric performance assessment of the Arabic version of the pregnancy experience scale–brief version (PES–brief) in an Arabic-speaking population

ObjectiveAlthough tools exist to assess psychological distress during pregnancy, a scarcity of instruments are designed to measure maternal perceptions of the more positive, uplifting features of pregnancy in addition to the more negative, hassling aspects. To address this shortcoming, DiPietro et al. developed the Pregnancy Experience Scale–Brief (PES-Brief). We aimed to assess the reliability and psychometric performance of an Arabic translation of the PES–Brief among Lebanese pregnant women. MethodsThe PES-Brief, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Lebanese Anxiety Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered to 433 participants. PES-Brief scores were computed as frequency and intensity, with Hassles to Uplifts frequency and intensity ratios. ResultsThe PES–Brief was internally consistent, with McDonald's ω = 0.87 for Uplifts and 0.81 for Hassles. Higher PES-Uplifts scores were significantly associated with lower depression and anxiety scores, and higher perceived social support; whereas higher PES-Hassles scores showed inverse correlations. The Hassles to Uplifts frequency and intensity ratios were 0.864 and 0.836, respectively, indicating that pregnant women were more uplifted than hassled. The CFA results confirmed the two-factor structure of the scale. ConclusionOur findings suggest that the Arabic PES–Brief is a psychometrically valid and reliable scale that may be employed as a legitimate indicator of pregnancy-specific uplifts and hassles among Arabic-speaking populations. Our study prompts clinicians and researchers to benefit from this tool for capturing the integral psychological/emotional experience of women during pregnancy, which may facilitate pregnant women's support when needed.

Exploring Anxiety Levels and Pregnancy Experiences Among Women with Neurological Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: In addition to pregnancy-specific anxiety, women experience additional anxiety related to diseases or complications that occur during pregnancy. It is reported that approximately 23% of women experience generalized anxiety disorders during pregnancy, with an increased frequency of anxiety disorders, particularly in the third trimester. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study obtained data from pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a Demographic Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Pregnancy Experience Scale (PES). The sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric characteristics of the participants were gathered and documented through a Demographic Information Form developed by the researchers. The study was completed with a total of 358 pregnant participants. Results: The average age of the pregnant women participating in the study was 29.01 ± 5.37 years. When evaluating educational status, it was observed that 41.1% had completed high school. Regarding gestational weeks, 78.2% of the women were in the third trimester. Analysis of neurological conditions among pregnant women indicated that 74% reported experiencing migraines and headaches. The mean score for "state anxiety" was calculated as 40.33 ± 8.10, while for "trait anxiety," it was 37.79 ± 8.50. Exploring the average scores of the Pregnancy Experiences Scale (PES), the mean score for "positive frequency" was 27.28 ± 7.08, and for "negative frequency," it was 17.39 ± 5.55. Conclusion: Notably, among pregnant women with neurological disorders, the levels of state and trait anxiety displayed notable correlations with the frequency and intensity of both positive and negative pregnancy-related experiences. Recognizing and diagnosing mood and anxiety disorders early in pregnancy, particularly in the context of neurological conditions, holds significance in mitigating potential adverse impacts on both maternal and fetal well-being. Stressing the importance of appropriate interventions and care measures is pivotal in reducing these potential effects.

Association of prenatal stress with distance to delivery for pregnant women in Western North Carolina

PurposeRural areas throughout the US continue to see closures of maternity wards and decreasing access to prenatal and intrapartum care. Studies examining closure's impacts have demonstrated both positive and negative effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes of mortality and morbidity. Our study aims to build on growing evidence from Canada and Scandinavia that suggests increased travel time to give birth is associated with increased emotional and financial stress for rural pregnant women. MethodsPregnant patients at 7 clinic sites in western North Carolina were invited to complete the Rural Pregnancy Experience Scale (RPES) while waiting for their prenatal appointments. Results were analyzed using adjusted linear regressions to examine the correlation between RPES scores and self-reported distance to anticipated birth location as well as RPES scores with recent local labor and delivery closure. FindingsA total of 174 participants completed the survey and met inclusion criteria. For every 10 min increase in travel distance to the patient's anticipated place of delivery, RPES scores increased by an average of 0.72 points. Participants who reported a recent labor and delivery unit closure near them saw average increases of 2.52 on the RPES. ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with the growing body of literature internationally that demonstrates the distance required to travel to delivery location is associated with increased stress among rural pregnant women.

Association of pain, analgesic, psychological, and socioeconomic factors with sub-acute pain after childbirth: A prospective cohort study

Study objectiveTo determine if acute postpartum pain, psychological distress, socioeconomic factors, and labor analgesia were associated with sub-acute pain after childbirth (SAPC; pain starting after childbirth and lasting between four weeks to three months). DesignProspective cohort study, from pre-conception to post-partum three months. SettingSingapore's major public maternity institution. PatientsWe included women planning to conceive within a year. We excluded women who were pregnant, taking chemotherapy or psychotropic medications, had diabetes mellitus, received assisted fertility interventions or contraception, did not conceive after 12 months, with multiple pregnancies, or who developed obstetric complications. InterventionsNone. MeasurementsWe investigated the relationship between average pain score during the three days after childbirth (primary exposure) and incidence of SAPC at postpartum three months (primary outcome). Secondarily, psychological distress at pre-conception (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Life Experiences Survey (LES)) and second trimester of pregnancy (BDI, EPDS, STAI, PSS, Pregnancy Experience Scale (PES)) were assessed. Baseline maternal and socioeconomic characteristics, labor analgesia, maternal and neonatal outcomes were also collected accordingly. Main resultsOf 317 women who met the study criteria, 30 (9.5%) developed SAPC. Higher average pain score during the three days after childbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.46, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.82, p = 0.001), use of meperidine for labor analgesia (aOR 4.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 17.43, p = 0.046), higher pre-conception GHQ-12 score (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.27, p = 0.013), and lack of employment with income during pregnancy (aOR 9.62, 95% CI 3.07 to 30.30, p < 0.001) were independently associated with SAPC, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.837. ConclusionsHigher acute postpartum pain scores, use of meperidine for labor analgesia, poorer pre-conception general psychological health, and lack of employment with income during pregnancy are associated with SAPC.

Comparing the effect of childbirth preparation courses delivered both in-person and via social media on pregnancy experience, fear of childbirth, birth preference and mode of birth in pregnant Iranian women: A quasi-experimental study.

Rates of cesarean section in Iran are unnecessarily high largely due to fear of childbirth (FOC), yet this may be reduced through education. Iranian women are keen to obtain information about pregnancy and birth online though sources may not be reliable. Consequently, the present study aimed to compare the effect of childbirth preparation courses delivered both online via the social media platform 'Telegram' and in-person on pregnancy experience, FOC, birth preference, and mode of birth. This quasi-experimental study included 165 primiparous pregnant women referred to the prenatal clinic in Tehran, Iran. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, who were subsequently divided into three groups; (A) social media-based educational intervention (n = 53); (B) in-person educational intervention (n = 52), and (C) a control group who received no prenatal education (n = 50). During the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, demographic questions along with the pregnancy experience scale (PES), and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (WDEQ‑A) were completed. In the 36th and 38th weeks of pregnancy, the PES and WDEQ‑A questionnaires, as well as birth preference form were further completed. Mode of birth was recorded in the first few days of postpartum. The Fisher's exact test, along with ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between variables. A paired t-test was used to examine within-group comparisons. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test was used to investigate the intervening effect of economic status. Post intervention, the mean score of pregnancy experience and FOC did not differ significantly between the three groups. Also, 86.8% of participants in group A, 90.4% of participants in group B, and 62% of participants in the control group preferred to give birth vaginally, which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Moreover, 66% of participants in group A, 61.5% of participants in group B, and 50% of participants in the control group ultimately gave birth vaginally. None of the participants in group A underwent an elective cesarean section, while this rate was 7.7% and 24% for groups B and control, respectively (p = 0.002). Despite the non-significant differences identified between the three groups in terms of pregnancy experience and FOC, prenatal education delivered via social media may be usefully offered to Iranian women keen to receive education flexibly online. Name of the Registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Trial registration number: IRCT20180427039436N2. Date of registration: 15/06/2018. URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/30890.

Correlation of Pregnancy Experience and Antenatal Anxiety among Primigravida

Introduction: A wonderful and noble service that is bestowed on women is pregnancy. Some women enjoyed being pregnant, which found pregnancy life-changing and exciting. Most of the women may not have much problem during pregnancy, but few of them face some problems related to pregnancy and childbirth. Anxiety is believed that more than one in ten women struggle with symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the pregnancy experience and antenatal anxiety. Methodology: The research approach was quantitative in nature. One hundred and twenty primigravida who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Interview method was used and the structured questionnaire, modified pregnancy experience scale, and modified perinatal anxiety screening scale were used to collect data. Results: The study result showed that the samples had good pregnancy experience and reported mild-to-moderate level of anxiety. There was a weak positive correlation between pregnancy experience and antenatal anxiety (0.247) which was significant at P &lt; 0.01 level of significance. Comparison among trimesters revealed that in the second trimester pregnancy event was less leading to reduction in anxiety which was the least among all the trimesters. Conclusion: Pregnancy experience and anxiety will be the major determining factor for the fetal development. Ensuring positive pregnancy experience will reduce anxiety and improve good fetal growth.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Pregnancy Experience Scale–Brief version (PES-Brief) in Pakistani women with antenatal anxiety symptoms

BackgroundPregnancy experiences influence fetal and birth outcomes. There is scarcity of locally validated tools to assess pregnancy experiences. We aimed to validate the Pregnancy Experience Scale-Brief (PES-Brief) in pregnant Pakistani women with anxiety symptoms. MethodsA two-step process was used including 1) adaptation via translation/back-translation followed by cognitive interviewing with 10 participants and 2) factor analysis and validation with 605 women in Rawalpindi Pakistan who had mild-moderate symptoms of anxiety, attended the antenatal clinic, and were ≤22 weeks of gestation and ≥18 years old. We calculated internal consistency and reliability and conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. ResultsCultural adaptation led to inclusion of one item of the hassles subscale and exclusion of one item in the uplifts subscale, resulting in 9 uplifts and 11 hassles. Exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure, with the adapted items exhibiting loading values of ≥0.24 for their respective factors. Internal consistency was demonstrated for uplifts (Cronbach’s alpha ​= ​0.89) and hassles (Cronbach’s alpha ​= ​0.85) subscales. Uplift intensity was moderately correlated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale (r ​= ​0.54, 95% CI:0.30–0.77). ConclusionThe Urdu PES-Brief is a reliable and valid tool for use in Pakistani pregnant women with antenatal anxiety. Future studies on its validity are needed on women without symptoms anxiety.

Comparing the effect of in-person and virtual childbirth preparation trainings on the fear of childbirth (FOC) and pregnancy experience of pregnant women: protocol for a quasi-experimental feasibility study

BackgroundChildbirth preparation trainings are an important component of prenatal education, and pregnant women are increasingly interested in seeking information from online sources. The aim of this study is to compare the feasibility and the effects of in-person and virtual childbirth preparation training courses on the pregnancy experience, fear of childbirth (FOC), birth preference, and type of delivery among pregnant women.MethodsIn total, 165 primiparous women referring to a prenatal clinic at Milad Hospital in Tehran, will be included in this study. The subjects will be selected using the convenience sampling method and will be divided into three groups of study A, study B, and control. The study groups A and B will receive virtual and in-person childbirth training with similar content, respectively. The control group will receive only routine prenatal care. In the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, the demographic information, pregnancy experience scale (PES), and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (WDEQ-A) will be completed, and in the 36th and 38th weeks of pregnancy, the PES and WDEQ-A questionnaires, as well as birth preference form will be completed. The type of delivery will be recorded in the first few days of postpartum.ConclusionThis quasi-experimental clinical trial will investigate the effect of virtual childbirth preparation training on primiparous women. The expected outcomes will include the difference in pregnancy experience measured by the brief version of PES, the difference in FOC measured by WDEQ-A, the birth preference, and the type of delivery.Trial registrationIRCT.ir: IRCT20180427039436N2;

The effect of face-to-face and virtual prenatal care training of spouses on the pregnancy experience and fear of childbirth of primiparous women: A controlled quasi-experimental study

Introduction The spouse has a special role in promoting the health of mothers and infants during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Women's health during pregnancy requires the participation and cooperation of their spouses. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of face-to-face and virtual prenatal care training of spouses on the pregnancy experience and fear of childbirth of primiparous women. Methods This is a quasi-experimental clinical trial that was conducted on primiparous pregnant women referring to three prenatal clinics in Tehran, Iran. Sampling was done by available method and pregnant women were divided into three groups of face-to-face training (n = 35), virtual training (n = 35), and control (n = 33). The content of training program in the virtual and face-to-face groups was similar and included; nutrition during pregnancy, emotional support, fetal growth and development, advantages and disadvantages of vaginal delivery, planning for delivery, infant care, and danger signs for infants, which were presented in four sessions. The samples in the control group did not receive any training. In the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, the demographic information form, pregnancy experience scale, and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaires were completed, and once again in the 37th and 38th weeks of pregnancy, the pregnancy experience scale and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaires were completed. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of pregnancy experience after the intervention between the face-to-face training and control groups (p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of uplifts between the two groups of face-to-face training and control (p = 0.01), and also between virtual training and control groups (p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of face-to-face training and control in terms of and hassles score after the intervention (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of face-to-face training and control (p = 0.02) and also between virtual training and control (p = 0.04) in terms of the mean score of fear of childbirth after the intervention. Conclusion The results of this study showed that teaching prenatal care to spouses of primiparous women by face-to-face and virtual methods can be a useful intervention in improving the pregnancy experience and reducing the fear of childbirth among primiparous women.

Implementation of Virtual and Face-to-Face Childbirth Preparation Training for the Spouses of the Primiparous Women to Reduce the Fear of Childbirth, Improve the Pregnancy Experience, and Enhance Mother- and Father-Infant Attachment: Protocol for a Quasiexperimental Clinical Trial.

Background Men have a special role to play in promoting maternal and child health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. The health of women also requires the participation and cooperation of men. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of virtual and face-to-face childbirth preparation training for spouses of the primiparous women on the pregnancy experience, fear of childbirth (FOC), and mother- and father-infant attachment. Methods The primiparous women attending the prenatal clinics of Lolagar Hospital and Azadi and Tehransar health centers of Tehran along with their husbands will be studied. The inclusion criteria for the women's husbands are the first experience of becoming a father, being at least 18 years of age, and the ability to read and write. The exclusion criteria for women's husbands are the history of physical/mental illness; being a smoker; and consuming alcohol, drugs, or psychotropic substances. The participants will be selected by the convenience sampling method and will be divided into three groups of study A, study B, and control. Spouses in study groups A and B will receive childbirth training through virtual and face-to-face methods with similar content, respectively. The control group only receives ordinary prenatal care. At the 18–20 weeks of gestation, demographic information, pregnancy experience scale (PES), and version A of Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (WDEQ-A) will be completed. At 37-38 weeks of gestation, the PES and WDEQ-A questionnaires will be completed again and maternal postnatal attachment scale (MPAS) and postnatal paternal-infant attachment questionnaire (PPAQ) will be completed by the parents 12 weeks after the delivery. Discussion. Improving the experience of pregnancy, especially reducing the FOC and creating a positive attitude towards it, is a vital strategy to promote vaginal childbirth and reduce the number of cesarean sections requested by women. Achieving this will reduce the cost of health care and improve the quality of life during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during the growth and development of infants. Ethics and Dissemination. This research has been funded by the Iran University of Medical Sciences, approved by the Thailand Registry of Clinical Trials, and will commence in May 2020. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and shared with the academic and medical community to pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. This trial is registered with TCTR20200515011.

Examining the experience of childbirth and its predictors among women who have recently given birth.

AimsThe aim of this study is to examine the experience of childbirth and its predictors among women who have recently given birth.DesignThis is a cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study was conducted on 225 women at 22 Bahman Hospital in Khaf City, Iran. The samples were selected by the continuous sampling method from August to November 2018. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire, fertility information, pregnancy experience scale, satisfaction from birth environment inventory and the childbirth experience questionnaire.ResultsThe mean score of childbirth experience was 55.73. According to the regression model, the husband's education, receiving regular care during pregnancy, the person giving birth, presence of a companion, receiving spinal anaesthesia, perineal conditions, being uplifted and hassled about the pregnancy and satisfaction with the birth environment were the predictors of childbirth experience. The regression model showed 39.8% of the change in outcome variable was predicted by independent variables.

Psychosocial and Sociodemographic Contributors to Breastfeeding Intention in First-Time Mothers.

Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for women and babies. Understanding factors contributing to intention to exclusively breastfeed may allow for improving the rates in first-time mothers. The study objective was to examine factors associated with a woman's intention to breastfeed her first child. A secondary analysis of the prospective "Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: monitoring mothers-to-be" (nuMoM2b) study of nulliparous women in the U.S. with singleton pregnancies was performed. Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors were analyzed for associations with breastfeeding intention. For the 6443 women with complete information about breastfeeding intention and all factors under consideration, women who intended to breastfeed (either exclusively or any breastfeeding) were more likely to be older, not black, have reached a higher level of education, have higher incomes, have a lower body mass index (BMI), and be nonsmokers. Reporting a planned pregnancy and several psychosocial measures were also associated with intention to breastfeed. In the multivariable analysis for exclusive breastfeeding, in addition to age, BMI, race, income, education, and smoking, of the psychosocial measures assessed, only women with higher hassle intensity ratios on the Pregnancy Experience Scale had lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding intention (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.92). Other psychosocial measures were not associated with either exclusive breastfeeding or any breastfeeding after controlling for demographic characteristics. Several sociodemographic factors, having a planned pregnancy, and fewer intense pregnancy hassles compared to uplifts are associated with intention to exclusively breastfeed. Identifying these factors may allow providers to identify women for focused, multilevel efforts to enhance breastfeeding rates.

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of "Pregnancy Experience Scale" for Brazilian pregnant

Abstract Introduction: The analysis of maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy can be an important intervention tool for maternal and infant health. Objective: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the Pregnancy Experience Scale - Brief Version - into Brazilian Portuguese for Brazilian pregnant women. Method: The scale was carried out according to the guidelines recommended by Beaton and his collaborators. Data were collected between January and September of 2016, in hospitals, basic health units, and community. In total, 206 pregnant women with an average age of 25.01 ± 6.44 years and gestational age of 25.5 ± 8.72 pregnancy weeks answered the scale for the process of psychometric analysis and validation. Results: The results indicated a two-dimensional model of the scale with two factors: Positive Experiences and Negative Experiences. The reliability was established through Cronbach’s Alpha Test (α &gt; 0.70). The value found for the positive experiences factor was appropriate, α = 0.77. The same happened to the Negative Experiences factor, α = 0.80. These values provide evidence of the scale reliability. The convergent and concurrent validity of the instrument was established. Conclusion: The result of the psychometric study of the scale pointed out that the Pregnancy Experience Scale is an important intervention tool for the health care of mother and newborn, besides being a useful instrument to assess the experience of the women with the pregnancy, especially, the level of psychosocial stress, contributing to broaden the research in this area and subsidize support strategies for this population and women’s health policies.

Validation of the Dutch version of the Pregnancy Experience Scale

The Pregnancy Experience Scale – Brief version (PES-Brief) assesses the frequency and intensity of the hassles and uplifts of pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch PES-Brief—Beleving van Zwangerschap Schaal – verkorte versie (BZS-K)—in a sample of healthy Dutch pregnant women. Participants (n=115) completed questionnaires twice during pregnancy, within a three-week interval. Factor analyses resulted in the expected two factors, one positive and one negative. The BZS-K showed sufficient internal consistency (α=.76 for Hassles, .83 for Uplifts) and reproducibility of subscales (Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC)=.72–.84). Concurrent validity with measures of pregnancy anxiety, general depression, anxiety and stress, and emotional well-being was established. We conclude that the BZS-K is a reliable, valid measure for assessment of women's perceptions of hassles and uplifts of pregnancy.