Preparation For Birth Research Articles

Perceptional gaps among women, husbands and family members about intentions for birthplace: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACTObjective:women are more likely to give birth at a health facility when their families agree with the birthplace. However, in rural areas of Tanzania, women are often marginalized from decision-making. This study predicted birthplace intention and identified factors to reduce perceptional gaps among pregnant women, husbands and family members. Method:explanatory cross-sectional survey was conducted in three villages in North Eastern Tanzania. Participants were 138 pregnant women and their families who answered the Birth Intention Questionnaire (BIQ), measuring knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and intention for birthplace. Descriptive analysis, ANOVA, Chi-square, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Results:the regression model showed that knowledge, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms predicted intention for birthplace (R2 = .28). While 81% of pregnant women thought their husbands were decision-makers for their birth, only 38% of husbands and 37% of family members agreed. Pregnant women had significantly lower scores on the item “I will prepare for childbirth with my family” compared with husbands (p < .01) and other family members (p < .001). Conclusion:providing evidence-based birth preparation and reducing the identified perceptual gaps may enhance women’s intention to deliver at health facilities.

Cultural safety and belonging for refugee background women attending group pregnancy care: An Australian qualitative study.

Refugee women experience higher incidence of childbirth complications and poor pregnancy outcomes. Resettled refugee women often face multiple barriers accessing pregnancy care and navigating health systems in high income countries. A community-based model of group pregnancy care for Karen women from Burma was co-designed by health services in consultation with Karen families in Melbourne, Australia. Focus groups were conducted with women who had participated to explore their experiences of using the program, and whether it had helped them feel prepared for childbirth and going home with a new baby. Nineteen women (average time in Australia 4.3years) participated in two focus groups. Women reported feeling empowered and confident through learning about pregnancy and childbirth in the group setting. The collective sharing of stories in the facilitated environment allowed women to feel prepared, confident and reassured, with the greatest benefits coming from storytelling with peers, and developing trusting relationships with a team of professionals, with whom women were able to communicate in their own language. Women also discussed the pivotal role of the bicultural worker in the multidisciplinary care team. Challenges in the hospital during labor and birth were reported and included lack of professional interpreters and a lack of privacy. Group pregnancy care has the potential to increase refugee background women's access to pregnancy care and information, sense of belonging, cultural safety using services, preparation for labor and birth, and care of a newborn.

Molecular regulation of high muscle mass in developing Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle foetuses.

ABSTRACTThe Blonde d'Aquitaine (BA) is a French cattle breed with enhanced muscularity, partly attributable to a MSTN mutation. The BA m. Semitendinosus has a faster muscle fibre isoform phenotype comprising a higher proportion of fast type IIX fibres compared to age-matched Charolais (CH). To better understand the molecular network of modifications in BA compared to CH muscle, we assayed the transcriptomes of the m. Semitendinosus at 110, 180, 210 and 260 days postconception (dpc). We used a combination of differential expression (DE) and regulatory impact factors (RIF) to compare and contrast muscle gene expression between the breeds. Prominently developmentally regulated genes in both breeds reflected the replacement of embryonic myosin isoforms (MYL4, MYH3) with adult isoforms (MYH1) and the upregulation of mitochondrial metabolism (CKMT2, AGXT2L1) in preparation for birth. However, the transition to a fast, glycolytic muscle phenotype in the MSTN mutant BA is detectable through downregulation of various slow twitch subunits (TNNC1, MYH7, TPM3, CSRP3) beyond 210 dpc, and a small but consistent genome-wide reduction in mRNA encoding the mitoproteome. Across the breeds, NRIP2 is the regulatory gene possessing a network change most similar to that of MSTN.

Contributions to the dynamics of cervix remodeling prior to term and preterm birth.

Major clinical challenges for obstetricians and neonatologists result from early cervix remodeling and preterm birth. Complications related to cervix remodeling or delivery account for significant morbidity in newborns and peripartum mothers. Understanding morphology and structure of the cervix in pregnant women is limited mostly to the period soon before and after birth. However, evidence in rodent models supports a working hypothesis that a convergence of factors promotes a physiological inflammatory process that degrades the extracellular collagen matrix and enhances biomechanical distensibility of the cervix well before the uterus develops the contractile capabilities for labor. Contributing factors to this remodeling process include innervation, mechanical stretch, hypoxia, and proinflammatory mediators. Importantly, the softening and shift to ripening occurs while progesterone is near peak concentrations in circulation across species. Since progesterone is required to maintain pregnancy, the premise of this review is that loss of responsiveness to progesterone constitutes a common final mechanism for remodeling the mammalian cervix in preparation for birth at term. Various inputs are suggested to promote signaling between stromal cells and resident macrophages to drive proinflammatory processes that advance the soft cervix into ripening. With infection, pathophysiological processes may prematurely drive components of this remodeling mechanism and lead to preterm birth. Identification of critical molecules and pathways from studies in various rodent models hold promise for novel endpoints to assess risk and provide innovative approaches to treat preterm birth or promote the progress of ripening at term.

Childbirth Education Class and Birth Plans Are Associated with a Vaginal Delivery.

To determine whether the mode of delivery was different between women who attended childbirth education (CBE) class, had a birth plan, or both compared with those who did not attend CBE class or have a birth plan. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of women who delivered singleton gestations >24weeks at our institution between August 2011 and June 2014. Based on a self-report at the time of admission for labor, women were stratified into four categories: those who attended a CBE class, those with a birth plan, both, and those with neither CBE or birth plan. The primary outcome was the mode of delivery. Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for clinical covariates were performed. In this study, 14,630 deliveries met the inclusion criteria: 31.9 percent of the women attended CBE class, 12.0 percent had a birth plan, and 8.8 percent had both. Women who attended CBE or had a birth plan were older (p<0.001), more likely to be nulliparous (p<0.001), had a lower body mass index (p<0.001), and were less likely to be African-American (p<0.001). After adjusting for significant covariates, women who participated in either option or both had higher odds of a vaginal delivery (CBE: OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.15-1.39]; birth plan: OR 1.98 [95% CI 1.56-2.51]; and both: OR 1.69 [95% CI 1.46-1.95]) compared with controls. Attending CBE class and/or having a birth plan were associated with a vaginal delivery. These findings suggest that patient education and birth preparation may influence the mode of delivery. CBE and birth plans could be used as quality improvement tools to potentially decrease cesarean rates.

An operational study on preparation of pregnant women for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care in low income Colony, UT, Chandigarh

Advance preparation for birth during pregnancy is a beneficial step to meet all important needs of women and neonate. Aim of study was to prepare pregnant women for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care. An operational study was carried out in low income colony Chandigarh. Tools included survey proforma, socio demographic proforma, interview schedule and scoring sheet to assess the preparation of pregnant women for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care, protocol on safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care was prepared in form of Hindi booklet and flipbook. Total seventy-two pregnant women of third trimester were selected through total enumeration technique and all were interviewed to assess their preparation for four subsequent weeks. In pre interventional assessment all subjects were registered, investigated for all essential laboratory diagnostics, immunized with TT injection, maintaining their personal hygiene, identified the institute for delivery. After implementation of protocol and repeated motivation during follow up visits all subjects were prepared themselves for safe delivery and postnatal and neonatal care. Most difficult aspect of the study was to prepare the subjects to take iron and folic acid tablets regularly, preparing bag for delivery, performing antenatal exercises and plan to adopt family planning methods. It is concluded Regular education and supervision by health care professionals will help the pregnant women to prepare for safe delivery, postnatal and neonatal care.

Impact of an SMS advice programme on maternal and newborn health in rural China: study protocol for a quasi-randomised controlled trial

IntroductionExpectant mothers in low-income and middle-income countries often lack access to vital information about pregnancy, preparation for birth and best practices when caring for their newborn. Innovative solutions are needed...

Birth preparedness and place of birth in Tandahimba district, Tanzania: what women prepare for birth, where they go to deliver, and why.

BackgroundAs making preparations for birth and health facility delivery are behaviours linked to positive maternal and newborn health outcomes, we aimed to describe what birth preparations were made, where women delivered, and why.MethodsOutcomes were tabulated using data derived from a repeated sample (continuous) quantitative household survey of women aged 13–49 who had given birth in the past year. Insights into why behaviours took place emerged from analysis of in-depth interviews (12) and birth narratives (36) with recently delivered mothers and male partners.ResultsFive hundred-twenty three women participated in the survey from April 2012–November 2013. Ninety-five percent (496/523) of women made any birth preparations for their last pregnancy. Commonly prepared birth items were cotton gauze (93 %), a plastic cover to deliver on (84 %), gloves (72 %), clean clothes (70 %), and money (42 %). Qualitative data suggest that preparation of items used directly during delivery was perceived as necessary to facilitate good care and prevent disease transmission. Sixty-eight percent of women gave birth at a health facility, 30 % at home, and 2 % on the way to a health facility. Qualitative data suggested that health facility delivery was viewed positively and that women were inclined to go to a health facility because of a perception of: increased education about delivery and birth preparedness; previous health facility delivery; and better availability and accessibility of facilities in recent years. Perceived barriers: were a lack of money; absent health facility staff or poor provider attitudes; women perceiving that they were unable to go to a health facility or arrange transport on their own; or a lack of support of pregnant women from their partners.ConclusionsThe majority of women made at least some birth preparations and gave birth in a health facility. Functional items needed for birth seem to be given precedence over practices like saving money. As such, maintaining education about the importance of these practices, with an emphasis on emergency preparedness, would be valuable. Alongside education delivered as part of focussed antenatal care, community-based interventions that aim to increase engagement of men in birth preparedness, and support agency among women, are recommended.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: Views of Women From Countries With High VBAC Rates.

Despite the consequences for women's health, a repeat cesarean section (CS) birth after a previous CS is common in Western countries. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is recommended for most women, yet VBAC rates are decreasing and vary across maternity organizations and countries. We investigated women's views on factors of importance for improving the rate of VBAC in countries where VBAC rates are high. We interviewed 22 women who had experienced VBAC in Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. We used content analysis, which revealed five categories: receiving information from supportive clinicians, receiving professional support from a calm and confident midwife/obstetrician during childbirth, knowing the advantages of VBAC, letting go of the previous childbirth in preparation for the new birth, and viewing VBAC as the first alternative for all involved when no complications are present. These findings reflect not only women's needs but also sociocultural factors influencing their views on VBAC.

Effect of antenatal education in small classes versus standard auditorium-based lectures on use of pain relief during labour and of obstetric interventions: results from the randomised NEWBORN trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of an antenatal education programme in small classes versus standard auditorium-based lectures.DesignRandomised trial using random-generated web-based 1:1 allocation.SettingThe largest birth site in the Capital Region of...

Does preparation for childbirth training reduce the cesarean rate?

Purpose: This study was conducted as experimental and prospective to determine the effect of birth preparation training on the birth route preparations of pregnant individuals. Methods: The study was conducted in three state hospitals which operate under Kocaeli State Hospitals Community. The study group included 110 pregnant individuals who attended the hospitals’ birth preparation training classes between 1 January – 30 June 2015 and the control group included 90 pregnant individuals from Kocaeli Maternity Hospital. The chi-squared test was used to measure the differences between groups in classified variables, and the t-test was used for parametric variables. P <0.05 was considered to be significant A survey form was used to identify individual demographic information, obstetric stories, and preferred birth route in order to collect relevant data. Findings: The survey reveals that 67% of the pregnant individuals prefer vaginal birth while 33% prefer cesarean birth. In choosing the birth route, 60% of the pregnant individuals make their own decisions, while 28.2% make the decision together with their partner, and 11.8% report the decision being made by their doctor. It is observed that—after attending the birth training—all of the individuals preferred vaginal birth. For the pregnant individuals, their birth route choices before and after the birth preparation training had been observed as highly statistically significant ( p<0, 005). However, when the choices of the pregnant individuals who participated in birth preparation training is compared to the control group’s choices, no statistical significance was found. Rates of cesarean were alike for both groups. Conclusions and Suggestions: In this study, for the individuals who participate in birth preparation training, the choice of the birth route is found to be affected by age, literacy, and former birth route experienced. However, no significant evidence was found regarding reducing the choice of cesarean. A pregnant individual’s birth route choice will be more healthy as she becomes qualified for, and receives sufficient treatment between the preconception stage to after birth, alternative birth routes, and consultancy for overcoming birth pain and relaxation methods.

Birth experiences in adult women with a history of childhood sexual abuse

ObjectiveAlthough childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may seriously impair childbirth experiences, few systematic evaluations on associations, mediating influences, risk and protective factors are available. As such information is mandatory to improve obstetric care, the present study aimed to provide such data. MethodsThe study compared childbirth experiences from 85 women after CSA and at least one pregnancy resulting in a life birth with those from 170 control women matched for nationality, personal age and children's age. Trained specialists from support centers investigated CSA. Obstetrical data were collected from the official personal clinical record of each pregnancy (Mutterpass) and data on CSA as well as childbirth experiences were examined by questionnaires. ResultsChildbirth was more often highly frightening (24.7 vs. 5.3%; p<0.01) and a negative experience (40.7 vs. 19.6%, p<0.01) in women with a history of CSA than in controls. Multivariate regression models support the hypothesis that at least part of this association was mediated by covariates (specifically, birth preparation classes, presence of a trusted person, participation in medical decision-making, pain relief, emergency during labor and extreme duration of labor), which represent important resources in improving obstetric care. In 41% of women with CSA, memories of traumatic experiences intruded during childbirth, whereas about 58% experienced dissociation. While dissociation may result in loss of contact with obstetric staff, it was also used to reduce labor pain. ConclusionChildbirth following a history of CSA is associated with particular challenges. Creating a trusting environment by evaluating and integrating individual needs could ameliorate birth experiences.

Skills retention in Sudanese village midwives 1 year following Helping Babies Breathe training

BackgroundOver 80% of deliveries in Sudan occur in isolated villages, attended by village midwives (VMWs). Upgrading newborn resuscitation skills with the Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) programme could improve newborn survival...

The Impact of Birth Preparedness on Pregnancy Outcome: Findings from Lurambi Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Background: Annual global estimate of 287,000 maternal deaths were recorded in 2010 as a result of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia accounted for 85% of this burden (245,000 maternal deaths). Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) is a relatively common strategy employed by numerous groups implementing safe motherhood programs. Aim: To determine the link between birth preparedness and complication readiness to pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Health facility based cross-sectional study was used among women in the reproductive age group 15-49 years at 36 weeks and above of gestation who were attending Antenatal care (ANC). The pregnancy outcomes were defined as either favourable or unfavourable events for both mother and baby. A birth preparedness assessment index (BPAI) was developed and used to assess preparedness of respondents. Results: The respondents were at different levels of birth preparedness based on a Birth Preparedness and Assessment Index (BPAI); 28.9% were at level 1; 40.0% at level 2; 25.6% at level 3 and 6.4% at level 4. There were no cases reported at level 5 which represented the best level of preparedness. However, there was no relationship between pregnancy outcome and the level of birth preparedness (p=0.915). The ANC attendance was associated with birth preparedness (Odds ratio [OR]=2.7026, 95% confidence interval), which suggested that those mothers who had 3 or more ANC visits, undertook adequate birth preparations were almost 3 times more likely to experience favourable birth outcome than those who did not. Conclusion: The age of the mother, marital status, ANC attendance, delivery preparations and birth weight were the most significant variables in determining pregnancy outcome. Therefore, there is need for community education on preparation for birth and its complication.

Effect of Health Care Package on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Terms of Knowledge, Practice and Labour Outcome Among Primi Gravida Mothers

The study evaluated the effectiveness health care package on birth preparedness and complication readiness in terms of knowledge, practice and labour outcome among primi mothers at a selected hospital of Delhi. It was an experimental research study with pre-test post-test control group design. The study was conducted in antenatal outpatient department of Safdarjung Hospital with 60 primi gravida mothers, 30 in each experimental and control group. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample, and assigned to the group by randomly. The pre-test and post-test were conducted by using a structured interview schedule and check list to assess the knowledge and practices respectively regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness. The health care package includes individual teaching, demonstration, pictorial cards, pamphlets, self-activity checklist, and daily foetal movement cont. chart. A structured performa was used to assess the labour outcome. The analysis was done by using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, in terms of frequencies, percentage, mean, median, standard deviation, ‘t’ value and ‘chi square’ value. The study revealed a knowledge deficit among primigravida mothers regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness. The health care package was effective to increase the knowledge and enhanced practices. Even though some of the physiological factors of labour outcome were not affected, a remarkable difference was found was found to establish a good feeding practices and less time of hospital stay. The health care package on birth preparedness and complication readiness was effective to enhance the knowledge and practices of primigravida mothers regarding preparations for birth, to identify complications early so as to seek appropriate care without delay.

Assessment of Magnitude and Factors Associated with Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic of Adama Town Health Facilities, Central Ethiopia

Maternal mortality is a substantial public health burden in developing countries. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a safe motherhood strategy which addresses delays that could increase the risk of dying in pregnancy, child birth and the immediate postpartum period. The main aim of this study was to assess magnitude and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Adama town government health facilities, central Ethiopia, 2015. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 642 pregnant mothers from December 2014 to January 2015 in ANC clinic of Adama town government health facilities. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the study subject. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness practice. P-value < 0.05 was used as cut of value for statistical significance. Out of 642 mothers only 29.1% (95% C/I: 25.9, 32.7) of the respondents were prepared for birth and its complications. Preparation for birth and its complication was associated with respondent who attended secondary and above educational level (AOR=2.76, 95%C/I: 1.41, 5.41). Women who had experience of one still birth (AOR=2.3, 95%C/I: 1.20, 4.63) and those pregnant women who heard the term birth preparedness (AOR=1.56, 95%C/I: 1.03, 2.38) were found to be factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness practice. The magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low in the study area. Knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness was identified as low as danger sign. Counseling related to knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness with especial emphasis to danger sign during pregnancy, labour and delivery needs due attention.

Expectativas de gestantes sobre o parto e suas percepções acerca da preparação para o parto

Pregnancy and childbirth are signifi cant experiences for most women. Expectant mother’s expectations can infl uence her experiences related to birth and motherhood. This study aimed to investigate fi rst-time expectant mothers’ expectations for birth and their perceptions of preparation for birth. To this end, a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted. Eighteen fi rst-time expectant mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy were interviewed. The methodology to analyze the women reports consisted of content analysis. The main results were: preference for vaginal birth among most women; expectations for childbirth, in general very negative, containing ideas of fear, pain and suffering, seeing childbirth as a life-threatening moment to women and their babies; feelings reported by expectant mothers of not being suffi ciently prepared and confi dent for experiencing birth. We were able to ascertain the need for more information during the prenatal care services about pregnancy, namely childbirth, as well as the need for greater psycho-emotional support for expectant mothers.

Effect of Lamaze Method on Child Birth Experiences among Primi Gravid Women During First Stage of Labour in a Selected Hospital of Udupi

Background : Childbirth is a normal life event, yet women are exposed to a significant amount of stress. Many mothers may also experience unnecessary distress and anxiety simply because they did not anticipate or did not know about the normal physical and psychological upheavals that are integral to the childbearing process. In India, child birth preparation is still less of a formality. Pregnant women in general and first-time mothers in particular require a vast amount of information. The Lamaze is such a child birth education method that teaches that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process and that woman should be empowered to approach it with confidence. Nursing interventions can change perceptions of childbirth experience; even for an unprepared couple. Therefore it is important that the nurse midwife understand the support and teaching roles in child birth education. Here the nurse midwife educates women about the ways they can decrease their perception of pain, such as through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, distraction, or massage. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Lamaze method on child birth experiences among primi gravid women in first stage of labour. Objectives of The Study : The objectives of the study were to: to find the effect of Lamaze method on child birth experiences among gravid women in terms of labour pain measured using visual analogue scale in experimental group and control group-to find the effect of Lamaze method on child birth experiences among gravid women in terms of behavioral responses as measured using observational check list in experimental and control group. -to find the difference in child birth experiences of gravid women in terms of labour pain in experimental and control group.-to find the difference child birth experiences of gravid women in terms of behavioral responses of experimental and control group. Method : A quasi-experimental time series nonequivalent control group design was used for the present study. Sample consisted of 30 primigravid mothers in the first stage of labour who met the inclusion criteria. They were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental and control group (n=15 in each group). Tools used were baseline characteristics of the mother, numerical pain rating scale to assess the labour pain and a structured observation checklist to assess the behavioural responses of the primigravid women during first stage of labour. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results : The results reveal that the mean scores of labour pain of primigravid women in the first stage of labour in experimental group (2.4,3.86, 7.733) are less than those in control group (4.4, 6.33, 8.633) in all phases (latent, active, transient) respectively. The 't'value computed in all phases ('t' (28) =1.700 at 5% level) shows that there is a significant difference in the labour pains of primigravid women in the first stage of labour in all phases. In the present study most of the women (93.3%) in the experimental group had a high positive behavioral response and only 6.7% of the women had a positive behavioral response. All women belonged to the control group had a positive behavioral response. The results reveal that the mean scores of behavioural responses of primigravid women in the first stage of labour in experimental group were (102.47, 94.07) are higher than those in control group (78.53, 74.6) in both the areas (during contractions and in between contractions).The 't'value computed in two areas ('t' (28) =1.700 at 5% level) shows that there is a significant difference in the behavioural responses of primigravid women in the first stage of labour in both the areas. Interpretation : Lamaze method is effective in improving the child birth experience in terms of labour pain and behavioural responses of primigravid women during the first stage of labour. Conclusion : The findings of the study suggest Lamaze method is very effective for the primigravid to reduce the labour pain and improve their behaviors in a positive way during labour and to have a pleasurable childbirth experience.

Perinatal Music Therapy and Antenatal Music Classes: Principles, Mechanisms, and Benefits

Antenatal music activities are in the ascendant. Regarding evidence-based research, the article advocates 5 main aims: music therapeutic control of pre- and perinatal stress, anxiety, and depression; music-related mental and physical birth preparation comprising cognitive adjustment, emotional regulation, physical activity, relaxation and pain management, and social inclusion; music-associated bonding and self-efficacy; prenatal sound stimulation to trigger learning processes, pedagogical priming and brain maturation; music activities to facilitate the child's acculturation and adaptive self-regulation. Underlying mechanisms such as neuroplasticity help to understand the multifaceted effects of music in pre- and perinatal care. Individual conditions and features of the mother and her child have to be taken into account and music interventions to be harmonized with complementary perinatal programs.

Impact of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Interventions on Birth with a Skilled Attendant: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundIncreased preparedness for birth and complications is an essential part of antenatal care and has the potential to increase birth with a skilled attendant. We conducted a systematic review of studies to assess the effect of birth preparedness and complication readiness interventions on increasing birth with a skilled attendant.MethodsPubMed, Embase, CINAHL and grey literature were searched for studies from 2000 to 2012 using a broad range of search terms. Studies were included with diverse designs and intervention strategies that contained an element of birth preparedness and complication readiness. Data extracted included population, setting, study design, outcomes, intervention description, type of intervention strategy and funding sources. Quality of the studies was assessed. The studies varied in BP/CR interventions, design, use of control groups, data collection methods, and outcome measures. We therefore deemed meta-analysis was not appropriate and conducted a narrative synthesis of the findings.ResultsThirty-three references encompassing 20 different intervention programmes were included, of which one programmatic element was birth preparedness and complication readiness. Implementation strategies were diverse and included facility-, community-, or home-based services. Thirteen studies resulted in an increase in birth with a skilled attendant or facility birth. The majority of authors reported an increase in knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness.ConclusionsBirth Preparedness and Complication Readiness interventions can increase knowledge of preparations for birth and complications; however this does not always correspond to an increase in the use of a skilled attendant at birth.