Evaluation of the Impact of Birth Preparation Courses on the Health of the Mother and the Newborn

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of birth preparation courses on the health of the mother and the newborn. A randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 200 primigravid women younger than age 35 years with gestational age of 20 weeks. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: control and trial. Birth preparation classes were introduced to the trial group in eight sessions during pregnancy, whereas the control group received only routine care. Measurable clinical, obstetrical, and neonatal advantages were monitored and compared in two groups. Patients in the trial group suffered from back and pelvic pain and headache significantly less often than patients in control group (two-tailed p ₍₂₎ < 0.05). Preparation is significantly related to reduction in dystocic deliveries and cesarean section (p ₍₂₎ = 0.044). Antenatal preparation could play a major role in the health of mother and newborn during labor and postpartum. In addition, antenatal preparation should be introduced to all women during pregnancy as a national health policy in Iran.

KEYWORDS

Antenatal preparation - pregnancy - Iran

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