The effect of childbirth preparation training on primiparous women's birth plans and the childbirth processes

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of childbirth preparation training (education, Pilates, and breathing exercises) on the birth plans of primiparous women, as well as the effect of birth plans on the childbirth process. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental/non-randomized trials and prospective study. The population of the study included the primiparous women that came to two hospitals. Among these women, the sample of the study included 70 women (experimental group=35, control group=35). Results: The most common requests granted to the experimental group were having the support of the person they wanted during the birth process (80.6%) and being able to walk and change position (90.3%). The experimental group had a lower rate of planned cesarean, were more satisfied with their childbirth experiences, received more support during the birthing process, and used more techniques for coping with pain during labor (p < 0.05). The experimental group was earlier to have contact with their infants, to the first breast feed their infants (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Midwives and nurses play an active role in the realization of the birth plans that are within the framework of prenatal education courses.