Primiparous Women Research Articles

Text message conversations between peer supporters and women to deliver infant feeding support using behaviour change techniques: A qualitative analysis

ObjectiveTo analyse text message conversations between peer supporters (called Infant Feeding Helpers – IFHs) and new mothers using qualitative methods to understand how peer support can influence and support women's feeding experiences. DesignQualitative analysis of text messages conversations using both inductive thematic and deductive content approaches to coding. Thematic analysis of the text message transcripts and deductive content analysis was used to code if Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) were employed by IFHs in their interactions with women. BCTs coded in text messages were then compared with those tabulated from antenatal meeting recordings and documented in interview transcripts. Participants and setting18 primiparous women and 7 Infant Feeding Helpers from one community site in South-West England. FindingsThree key themes were identified in the18 text message conversations (1679 texts): ‘breastfeeding challenges’, ‘mother-centred conversations’, and ‘emotional and practical support’. The core BCTs of ‘social support’ and ‘changing the social environment’ were found at least once in 17 (94 %) and 18 (100 %) text message conversations respectively. Meanwhile, ‘instruction to perform the behaviour’ was used at least once in over 50 % of conversations. Generally, the use of BCTs was greatest between birth and two weeks during a period of daily texts when women reported many feeding challenges. The number and range of BCTs used in text messages were similar to those documented in audio-recorded meetings and interview accounts. Conclusion and implicationsInfant Feeding Helpers were able to provide engaging and successful breastfeeding peer support through text messages. Messaging was shown to be an appropriate and accessible method of delivering BCTs focussing on ‘social support’ and ‘changing the social environment’. Peer supporters delivering BCTs via text messages is acceptable and appropriate to use if in-person support is limited due to unforeseen circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivery Progress, Labor Interventions and Perinatal Outcome in Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery of Singleton Pregnancies between Nulliparous and Primiparous Women with One Previous Elective Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

This is a retrospective comparative study. Data were collected in a four-year period at the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kristianstad and Ystad hospitals in Sweden. Out of 14,925 deliveries, 106 primipara women with one previous elective LSCS and a spontaneous labor onset in the subsequent singleton pregnancy were identified. Of these women, 94 (88.7%) delivered vaginally and were included in the study (VBAC group). The comparison group included 212 randomly selected nulliparous women that had a normal singleton pregnancy, spontaneous labor onset and delivered vaginally. The rate of cervical dilation during the active first stage of labor as well as the duration of the second stage did not differ between the two groups. When adjusting for cervical dilation at admission, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor. No significant differences were found in maternal-neonatal outcomes between the two groups except for higher birth weight in the VBAC group. The use of epidural analgesia was associated with slower dilation rhythm over the duration of the active phase and second stage of labor, need for labor augmentation, postpartum bleeding and need for transfusion at higher rates, irrespective of parity when epidural was used. Our study provides evidence that in women with one previous elective LSCS undergoing TOLAC in the subsequent pregnancy resulting in vaginal birth, the progress and duration of labor are not different from those in nulliparous women when labor is spontaneous and the it is a singleton pregnancy. The use of epidural was associated with prolonged labor, need for labor augmentation and higher postpartum bleeding, irrespective of parity. This information may be useful in patient counseling and labor management in TOLAC.

Physical and psychological recovery after vaginal childbirth with and without epidural analgesia: A prospective cohort study.

Enhanced recovery is the gold standard in modern perioperative management, including that for cesarean deliveries. However, qualitative and quantitative data on the physical and psychological recovery of women after vaginal childbirth are limited. Whether neuraxial labor analgesia influences postpartum recovery is unknown. Primiparous women anticipating a vaginal childbirth between January 2020 and May 2021 were enrolled. Women with major comorbidities or postpartum complications and those who underwent a cesarean delivery were excluded. Daily step count was measured using a wrist-worn activity tracker (FitbitTM Inspire HR) for 120 hours after vaginal childbirth. Subjective fatigue levels and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) and EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L), respectively, at the 3rd trimester antenatal visit, on postpartum day 1 and 3, and at the one-month postpartum visit. Rest and dynamic pain scores and the location of pain were documented by participants during postpartum hospitalization. Among 300 women who were enrolled antenatally, 95 and 116 had a vaginal delivery without (NCB group) and with (EPL group) epidural analgesia, respectively. The median number of steps per 24 hours increased daily in both groups, and no significant difference was detected between the groups. Postpartum pain was mild overall, with median rest and dynamic pain scores being less than 4 and similar between the groups. MFI and EQ-5D-5L scores were the worst on postpartum day 1 in both groups and gradually improved to antepartum level by the one-month postpartum visit. Higher MFI score on postpartum day 1, but not the use of epidural analgesia, was associated with lower odds of achieving adequate postpartum ambulation (defined as >3500 steps between 48 and 72 hours postpartum). The use of epidural analgesia was not associated with worse recovery outcomes during postpartum hospitalization. UMIN-CTR, #UMIN000039343, registered on January 31, 2020.

Predictive factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury in primiparous women: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The primary objective was to perform a systematic review of predictive factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence at first vaginal delivery, with the diagnosis made by ultrasound (US-OASI). The secondary objective was to report on incidence rates of sonographic anal sphincter (AS) trauma, including trauma that was not clinically reported at childbirth, among the studies providing data for our primary objective. We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Both observational cohort studies and interventional trials were eligible for inclusion. Study eligibility was assessed independently by two authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to pool effect estimates from studies reporting on similar predictive factors. Summary odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) is reported with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. A total of 2805 records were screened and 21 met the inclusion criteria (16 prospective cohort studies, three retrospective cohort studies and two interventional non-randomized trials). Increasing gestational age at delivery (MD, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.04-0.64) weeks), shorter antepartum perineal body length (MD, -0.60 (95% CI, -1.09 to -0.11) cm), labor augmentation (OR, 1.81 (95% CI, 1.21-2.71)), instrumental delivery (OR, 2.13 (95% CI, 1.13-4.01)), in particular forceps extraction (OR, 3.56 (95% CI, 1.31-9.67)), shoulder dystocia (OR, 12.07 (95% CI, 1.06-137.60)), episiotomy use (OR, 1.85 (95% CI, 1.11-3.06)) and shorter episiotomy length (MD, -0.40 (95% CI, -0.75 to -0.05) cm) were associated with US-OASI. When pooling incidence rates, 26% (95% CI, 20-32%) of women who had a first vaginal delivery had US-OASI (20 studies; I2 = 88%). In studies reporting on both clinical and US-OASI rates, 20% (95% CI, 14-28%) of women had AS trauma on ultrasound that was not reported clinically at childbirth (16 studies; I2 = 90%). No differences were found in maternal age, body mass index, weight, subpubic arch angle, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, episiotomy angle, duration of first/second/active-second stages of labor, vacuum extraction, neonatal birth weight or head circumference between cases with and those without US-OASI. Antenatal perineal massage and use of an intrapartum pelvic floor muscle dilator did not affect the odds of US-OASI. Most (81%) studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in at least one domain and only four (19%) studies had an overall low risk of bias. Given the ultrasound evidence of structural damage to the AS in 26% of women following a first vaginal delivery, clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for the condition. This systematic review identified several predictive factors for this. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Effect of Cognitive Counseling and Childbirth Preparation Classes on the Fear of Childbirth and Depression during Pregnancy in Primiparous Women; an Experimental Study

Effect of Cognitive Counseling and Childbirth Preparation Classes on the Fear of Childbirth and Depression during Pregnancy in Primiparous Women; an Experimental Study

Mediating Role of Psychological Distress between Body Image Concerns and Sexual Functioning in Primiparous Women

The birth of a baby brings changes in the weight and body shape of a female, distorting their body image. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between body image concerns, psychological distress, and sexual functioning in primiparous women. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to recruit 120 primiparous women from gynecology clinics located in Punjab via purposive sampling. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 35 years (M=26, SD=4.34). The data was collected through a survey booklet, including socio demographics and standardized assessment measures like the Body Image Concerns Inventory, Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale, and the Female Sexual Functioning Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation, and mediation analysis were the main statistical tools used in this study. The study found a significant positive association between body image concerns and psychological distress. Similarly, body image concerns and psychological distress were negatively correlated with sexual functioning. The mediation analysis revealed that the association between body image concerns and sexual functioning was partially mediated by psychological distress. Increased body image concerns have a negative impact on the psychological and sexual well-being of primiparous women.

Factors Associated With the Timing of First Antenatal Care by Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto

This study therefore aimed to explore the factors associated with the timing of first antenatal care attendance by pregnant women in specialist hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, Nigeria.Three objectives with three corresponding research and questions guided the study. This is a health facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in specialist hospital Sokoto in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy nine Pregnant women presenting at the ANC booking clinic were used in this study. Sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents using a structured questionnaire. The data analysis was done using SPSS. Pregnant women who initiated ANC early were (42.3%). Majority of the respondents (42.7%) were 25-34 year old. Women with at least secondary level of education were twice likely to commence ANC early compared to those with primary education or no formal education (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 093-4.58). Nulliparous women were almost twice likely to initiate ANC early compared to primiparous and multiparous women (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-1.55). Similarly, Primigravid women were 1.6 times more likely to start ANC early compared to multigravid women (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 0.93-2.57). Women with planned pregnancy were (6%) more likely to register for ANC early compared to those with unplanned pregnancy (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.59-1.90). Early initiation of ANC was (50%) higher in women from low-income household compared to those from high income household (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.83-2.72). This study shows that less than half of the women commenced ANC early. The WHO ANC model recommendation on early commencement of ANC has not been fully met. Therefore, there is need for Sokoto state government in collaboration with the Federal.

Effect of Achillea vermicularis ointment on wound healing after episiotomy in primiparous women: a randomised clinical trial

IntroductionEpisiotomy may be followed by several maternal complications, such as postpartum infection, pain, discomfort, and prolonged wound healing. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Achillea vermicularis on wound healing after episiotomy. MethodsWe performed a randomised clinical trial consisting of 100 participants aged on average 23.37 (±4.96) years, who underwent an episiotomy during normal vaginal delivery from June to December 2018. The mothers were randomly allocated to the treatment or control group. Those in the treatment group used the A. vermicularis 3% ointment, while those in the control group received routine treatment consisting of sitz baths with betadine solution. The primary outcome was wound healing, which was assessed using the redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation (REEDA) scale on baseline and days 7 and 10 after the intervention. ResultsThe episiotomy wound parameters did not differ significantly between groups on day 7, but there was a significant difference in redness (P = 0.02), discharge (P = 0.03), approximation of wound edges (P = 0.03), and wound healing (P < 0.001) between the two groups on day 10. DiscussionIt may be concluded that A. vermicularis ointment has a positive effect on wound healing after episiotomy on day 10 postpartum.

The effect of midwife-oriented breastfeeding counseling on self-efficacy and performance of adolescent mothers: a clinical trial study

BackgroundBreastfeeding behaviors are strongly influenced by self-efficacy. This research aimed to determine the effect of breastfeeding counseling based on the Ready Set Baby (RSB) education program on self-efficacy and breastfeeding performance in adolescent mothers.MethodsIn 2022, a parallel randomized clinical trial was carried out in Hamadan city's comprehensive health centers, involving 64 pregnant teenagers. The block randomization method was employed to divide the participants into two groups. The data collection instruments were a demographic characteristics questionnaire, a breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire, and the Bristol breastfeeding checklist. Three individual counseling sessions during pregnancy were conducted based on the "RSB" program. The ANCOVA was used for comparing groups. The statistical analyst was blinded to the group assignment.ResultsThe study included 64 participants with a mean age of 16.97(1.30) years, data from 60 participants were analyzed. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were relatively similar (P > 0.05). Following the intervention, self-efficacy and breastfeeding performance scores were measured and adjusted for confounding factors. The mean scores for self-efficacy were 116.03(20.64) and 100.02(20.64) (P < 0.005), with effect size 0.77 [MD = 16.01 (95% CI: 5.34,26.67)], and the mean scores for breastfeeding performance were 6.30(2.07) and 4.12(2.07) (P < 0.002), with effect size 1.05 [MD = 2.18 (95% CI: 1.11,3.24)] in the intervention and control groups, respectively.ConclusionsThe Ready Set Baby education program's breastfeeding counseling for primiparous adolescent pregnant women significantly boosted their self-efficacy and performance in breastfeeding. Given the crucial role of breastfeeding in ensuring the well-being of both mother and child, further research is imperative to identify suitable and impactful interventions that can encourage breastfeeding practices among adolescents.Trial registrationThe trial protocol of this study has been registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials at 08/09/2021. The registration reference is IRCT20200530047596N3.

Maternal and Newborn Morbidity in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, North-East, Nigeria

Background: Efforts are being made to promote mother and child survival by reducing the high rate of maternal and newborn morbidities in developing nations, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. The study was designed to find the pattern and associated factors of maternal and newborn morbidities in Gombe, northeast Nigeria test. Materials and Methods: Patients were prospectively interviewed with the use of a structured questionnaire and medical case records were also reviewed. Data obtained was entered into SPSS version 21 for analysis. Results: A total of 250 women were studied. Most (53.6%) were aged 26–35 years. The majority (97.2%) were married. Most (40.0%) were unemployed and of the Fulani ethnicity (36.4%). Urban dwellers were in the majority (55.2%). Approx. 78% had at least a secondary level of education. Most (64.4%) were multiparous, had 2 or more living children (72%), and 76% with less than 8 ANC visits. Distribution of MOD showed C/S (52.4%), SVD (36%), and Instrumental delivery (1.6%). Maternal morbidity was recorded in 22% with PPH (47.3%), Genital injury (30.5%), and Genital sepsis (16.4%) most common. Newborn morbidity was recorded in 23.6% with neonatal asphyxia (25.4%), neonatal jaundice (25.4%), and LBW (22%) most common. Women who had less than 8 ANC visits (p = 0.05) and underwent instrumental delivery (p = 0.002) were more likely to suffer morbidity. Those who had Caesarean Section were less likely to have a maternal morbidity (p = 0.002). Whereas, neonates born to primiparous women were more likely to suffer a morbidity (p = 0.042). There was no significant relationship between number of ANC visits (p = 0.512) and MOD (p = 0.680). Conclusion: PPH, genital injuries, and genital sepsis were the commonest maternal morbidities while Neonatal asphyxia, jaundice, and LBW were commonest in the newborn. Less than eight ANC visits and instrumental delivery increased the likelihood of maternal morbidity, while delivery to primiparous mothers increased the likelihood of newborn morbidity. Campaign for adequate antenatal care clinic visits should be sustained and when indicated cesarean delivery should not be denied to women. Accouchers must be trained in the usage of instrumental deliveries to reduce morbidities associated with it.

Association of epidural analgesia during labor and early postpartum urinary incontinence among women delivered vaginally: a propensity score matched retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard for pain relief during labor and is safe for maternity and fetus, the association between the epidural analgesia and pelvic floor disorders remains unclear. Thus we estimate the association between epidural analgesia and early postpartum urinary incontinence (UI).MethodsA propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Shanghai, China. Primiparous women with term, singleton, and vaginal delivery between December 2020 and February 2022 were included. UI was self-reported by maternity at 42 to 60 days postpartum and was classified by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). Using logistic regression models, the associations between epidural analgesia and early postpartum UI were assessed.ResultsAmong 5190 participants, 3709 (71.5%) choose epidural anesthesia during labor. Analysis of the propensity-matched cohort (including 1447 maternal pairs) showed epidural anesthesia during labor was independently associated with UI in early postpartum period (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.24–1.81). This association was mainly contributed to stress UI (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.71) rather than urge UI (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 0.99–2.15) and mixed UI (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.95–2.45). Furthermore, we observed that the association between epidural anesthesia and UI was more pronounced among older women (≥ 35 y) and women with macrosomia (infant weight ≥ 4000 g), compared with their counterparts (both P for interaction < 0.01). After further analysis excluding the women with UI during pregnancy, the results remained largely consistent with the main analysis.ConclusionsThe findings support that epidural anesthesia was associated with SUI in the early postpartum period.

Effect of Different Birth Balls Used at the First Stage of Labor on Birth Outcomes and Maternal Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different birth balls used at the first stage of labor on fetal head descent, pain intensity, and maternal satisfaction.&#x0D; Methods: This study used a single-blind, randomized controlled experimental design. It was conducted with 180 primipara women in a maternity hospital in Erzurum, Turkey between October 2018 and December 2019. Women were randomized into 3 groups: A=Control group (n=60), B=Spherical birth ball group (n=60), and C=Peanut ball group (n=60). Birth balls were initiated in the active phase in the first stage of labor when cervical dilatation was 4 cm. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Partograph, and the Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction in Birth (SMMSB).&#x0D; Results: In the active and transitional phases of labor, the VAS and VRS scores for labor pain perception of Group B were statistically significantly lower than the scores of Group A and C (p

Breastfeeding in primiparous women – expectations and reality: a prospective questionnaire survey

BackgroundBreastfeeding provides the optimal nutrition for infants and offers numerous benefits for both mother and child. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life and the introduction of complementary feeding between the fifth and seventh months of life. There is a discrepancy between breastfeeding recommendations and the actual duration of breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to analyse breastfeeding behaviour in primiparous women in order to be able to provide support for mothers.MethodsIn this prospective, questionnaire-based study conducted between 2020 and 2022, primiparous women were asked to complete three questionnaires at three defined survey time points (routine prepartum presentation, postpartum hospitalization, completed sixth month of life).ResultsA total of 140 women were included and returned all three questionnaires. Fifty-eight percent performed breastfeeding exclusively at least until their baby had reached the age of 6 months, whereas 20% already stopped within the first 6 months. The main reasons given for early cessation were insufficient milk supply and inadequate infant weight gain. A comprehensive level of prepartum knowledge had a significant positive effect on participants’ sense of confidence with breastfeeding. Sociodemographic factors such as age and educational level were also associated with breastfeeding behaviour, but significant corresponding differences in the duration of breastfeeding were not observed. Women with postpartum midwifery care breastfed significantly longer (p < 0.05).ConclusionsBreastfeeding behaviour and duration are influenced by multiple factors. Although certain sociodemographic factors are unalterable, comprehensive prepartum knowledge transfer and postpartum midwifery care have a positive impact on breastfeeding behaviour.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) on 6 December 2022 (DRKS00030763).

Dynamic changes in blood lipid levels and their associations with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twin pregnancy: A retrospective study

Little knowledge onthe association of blood lipid levels with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy(HDP) in twin pregnancy. To investigate the associationof blood lipid levels with HDP in twin pregnancy. This is a retrospective study in the Beijing Birth Cohort on patients followed betweenJanuary 2014 andNovember 2021.A total of2628 women pregnant with twins were includedand dividedinto HDP (n=565) and normal blood pressure (NBP,n=2063) groups. HDP subtypes includedgestational hypertension (GH, n=190) and preeclampsia(PE,n=375). Dynamic changes in blood lipidprofiles and theirassociations with HDP were assessed. Compared to NBP group, higher triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in the first (T1)and secondtrimesters (T2)existed in women with PE.In addition, TG increased significantly from T1 to T2,and HDL-c decreased significantly since T2 in women with PE, especially in women with early-onset PE and severe PE. Elevated TG and LDL-c were associated with HDP, mainlyPE.Ina subgroup analysis,higher TG or LDL-c increased the risk of HDP for underweight, overweight and primipara women. In twin pregnancy, women with PE had higher TG and LDL-c, and elevatedTG andLDL-cwere associated with PE. A significant increase inTG or decrease inHDL-cwere more prone to PE, especially early-onset PE and severe PE. It is helpful to monitorblood lipid levels in womenpregnant with twins, especially in underweight, overweight, and primipara women.

The Effect of delivery method on optimality level and postpartum comfort in primiparous women

BackgroundDelivery is a normal event in a woman’s life and the most special experience. The delivery method affects the perinatal period as well as the level of postpartum comfort. AimsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study aims to determine the effect of delıvery method on optimality level and postpartum comfort in primiparous women MethodsThe study included 200 women. Data collection tools are the Introductory Information Form prepared by the researcher in line with the literature, the Turkish Adaptation of the Optimality Index, the Postpartum Comfort Scale. FindingsThe optimality index scores of the pregnant women with SVD obtained from PBI is 88.60 ± 5.71, the mean score obtained from OI is 84.02 ± 3.12, and the mean score of OI was determined to be 85.40 ± 2.98 for the groups who had SVD. ConclusionsIn accordance with the data, the optimality level of women has decreased due to non-evidence-based practices and invasive procedures during SVD. The total comfort score of the SVD group has also been negatively affected.

The effect of aromatherapy on labor pain, duration of labor, anxiety and Apgar score outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: This study was conducted to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the effect of aromatherapy intervention on labor pain, duration of labor, anxiety and apgar scores in primiparous women. Methods: The literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Science Citation Index (Web of Science) until February 2023. This study is based on the recommendations of the Cochrane guidelines. The data were analyzed using the Review Manager computer program (Version 5.4). Results: The analysis was completed with 10 studies including 950 primiparous pregnant women. The average pooled results of the studies showed that there was a significant difference in the effect of aromatherapy on labor pain (SMD: -0.68 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.60, Z = 16.32, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and duration (SMD: -0.36 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.25, Z = 6.40, p &amp;lt; 0.00001) in the latent, active, and transition phase. When the mean results of anxiety scores were examined, it was determined that the difference between the groups was significant (SMD: -15.89 95% CI: -16.78 to -14.99, Z = 34.79, p &amp;lt; 0.00001). Conclusions: While the aromatherapy application used in childbirth reduced the duration and pain of the latent transition and active phase of birth, it was found that it reduced the anxiety of the pregnants in the active and transition phase.

O61 - Media influences on primiparous women's mode of birth choice

O61 - Media influences on primiparous women's mode of birth choice

Perceived Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in South-Central Ethiopia.

Childbirth self-efficacy has been identified as a significant indicator of a positive childbirth experience. It is, however, the most neglected aspect of maternal care, and evidence in this regard was lacking in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess perceived childbirth self-efficacy and its associated factors among pregnant women in the Gurage zone, southern Ethiopia. The current study was conducted from April to May 2022 using a facility-based cross-sectional study design. We used a systematic sampling technique and selected a total of 423 women. To collect the data, we utilized an interviewer-administered questionnaire containing a childbirth self-efficacy inventory scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to discover the factors influencing a woman's self-efficacy during childbirth. The current study included 423 pregnant women in total. This study revealed that the overall mean score for perceived childbirth self-efficacy was 489.06 (SD = 65.77). Social support (β = 0.214, P< 0.001), psychological well-being (β = 0.254, P< 0.001), education status at the secondary level (β = 0.151, P< 0.001), no fundal pressure (β = 0.11, P = 0.010), and planned pregnancy (β = 0.10, P =0.013) were positively associated with childbirth self-efficacy. Fear of childbirth (β = 0.19, P< 0.001), Primipara women (β = 0.14, P< 0.001), women who had experienced discomfort during vaginal examination (β = 0.10, P = 0.009), and women who experienced the inability to push (β = 0.10, P = 0.013) were negatively associated with childbirth self-efficacy. The overall mean score for the perceived childbirth self-efficacy was high when compared to the previous studies conducted in Australia. Healthcare professionals should create multifaceted strategies to support childbirth self-efficacy, such as relaxation techniques, prenatal psycho-education to reduce childbirth fear, enhance psychological well-being and encourage social support, particularly partner support during pregnancy and childbirth.

Predictors of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Primiparous Women: a Cross-sectional Study in the West of Iran

Predictors of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Primiparous Women: a Cross-sectional Study in the West of Iran

The Effects of Sacral Massage and Music Therapy Applied to Primaparous Women in Labor on Labor Pain, Postpartum Comfort, and Posttraumatic Growth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: &#x0D; In this study, the researchers investigated to the effects of sacral massage and music therapy applied to primiparous women in labor on labor pain, postpartum comfort, and posttraumatic growth. &#x0D; Material - Method: &#x0D; This randomized controlled study was conducted with 96 primiparous women admitted to the delivery room of a public hospital in a province in the south of Turkey. Data of the study was collected with “Visual Analog Scale (VAS)”, “Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ)” and “Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI)”. &#x0D; Results: &#x0D; It was determined that the PPCQ total mean scores were 127.0 (119.0-136.0) in the massage group, 121.0 (113.0-127.0) in the music group, 112.0 (106.0-115.0) in the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (X2=34.159, p