Abstract:
The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to determine the effects of
childbirth preparation on fear, labor pain coping behaviors, and childbirth
satisfaction in primiparas. Sixty primigravidas who were 34-35 weeks pregnant
were recruited at an antenatal unit and gave birth at Samutprakan Hospital,
Samutprakan province. They were selected by purposive sampling technique and
were equally assigned into either control or experimental group. Firstly, 30 subjects
in the control group received only routine care from the staff nurses, and 30 subjects
in the experimental group received routine care plus childbirth preparation from the
researcher. Childbirth preparation was provided in three sessions, one week apart
during 35th-36th weeks of their pregnancy. Childbirth preparation included the use of
exercise, a breathing technique, relaxation training and a tour of labor ward. In
addition, the experimental subjects received a handbook with a record sheet for
home practice, and were interviewed over the telephone concerning their practice.
In addition, the researcher encouraged and supported the subjects in the over all
labor process. Fear and childbirth satisfaction questionnaires given to the
participants October 2004 to April 2005 on self-administrated and labor pain coping
behaviors were collected. Independent t- test was used as a method of data analysis.
Results revealed that the primiparas in the experimental group had better labor
pain coping behaviors and childbirth satisfaction (P<.05 and P<.01 respectively)
than those in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in fear
of childbirth between experimental and control group (P>.05).
The findings of this research suggest that childbirth preparation was beneficial
to primiparas in order to learn how to cope with labor contraction. The nurses need
to help them practice all training techniques to promote effective labor, which leads
to high childbirth satisfaction. In addition, support from hospital personnel may help
increase the effects of childbirth preparation