Childbirth Expectations and Sources of Information Among Low- and Moderate-Income Nulliparous Pregnant Women

Abstract

This article explores the childbirth expectations and sources of information of first-time mothers using a qualitative descriptive method. A purposive sample of low- to moderate-income nulliparous women ( N = 7) from an urban area in Connecticut were interviewed in their third trimester of pregnancy. The themes that emerged touched on mode of birth, supportive resources, emotional and physical expectations, control, and health of the baby. No one participated in childbirth education classes, and instead cited mostly informal sources of information such as family, friends, the Internet, and television. In light of advanced technology and increased access to on-demand information, the results of this study should remind health-care providers to discuss childbirth expectations and the sources of information with patients.